Copyright 2025 Miki Hayama
MUSIC
As leader:
As Sidewoman:
2023:  Earth Wind And Fire By Don Braden
2023:  Homage By Sheryl Bailey
2023:  Keeper Of TheFlame By Tim Mayer
2023:  Queen Rising By Kersten Stevens
2022:  We are the Jazz Brigade By Sylwester Ostrowski & Jazz Brigade
2022:  Time Traveler By Nnenna Freelon
2020:  Piece of Mind By Adonis Rose
2018:  In Your Own Sweet Way By Sylwester Ostrowski
2018:  Evolve By Sheryl Cassity
2014:  Balance By Mimi Jones
2013:  Inspire Me By Kersten Stevens
2013:  Perennial Dreamer By Olivia Foschi
2013:  Relentless By Michael Dease
2012:  Christmas By Nnenna Freelon with John Brown Big Band
2009:  To Whom It May Concern By Vitaly Golovnev
2009:  Common Journey By Cooper & Johnson
2009:  A New Day By Mimi Jones
2008:  The Gift By Kersten Stevens
2008:  Water Color ByAleksandra Mogilervich and Yaacov Mayman
2007:  Healing Space By Tia Fuller
2007:  Red Shirt Theme and Variations By David Picton
2006:  Swingroove By Ken Ota
2005:  Piller of Strength By Tia Fuller
2005:  Skindiver By Fredrick Levore
2005:  Love Pages By Cafe Soul All Stars

Gulnara Khamatova Photography
Arrangement work:
2025:  Sweet Nancy By Melanie Scholtz
2024:  For All We Know By Adonis Rose
2022:  We are the Jazz Brigade By Sylwester Ostrowski & Jazz Brigade

2021:  Time Traveler By Nnenna Freelon
2013:  Perennial Dreamer By Olivia Foschi
Currently, Miki is working on her studio album. Stay tuned !
Vibrant
Release Year: 2004
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Prelude To A Kiss
Release Year:2007
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Wide Angle
Release Year: 2009
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Live in Kobe
Release Year: 2016
Time Machine Record, JP
New videos are coming soon! Meanwhile, check out some videos Miki plays on.
VIDEO
Ania Giniewska Photography
Sebastian Wolosz Photography
Ian Jacko Jackson photography
Ian Jacko Jackson Photography
PHOTO
TOUR
Originally from Kyoto, Japan, a GRAMMY-nominated pianist, Miki's musical journey began with a classical piano degree from Osaka College of Music and futher jazz training with esteemed Sadayasu Fujii at Fuji Jazz School in Kyoto.
After graduating from College, she started working at many jazz clubs in Kansai area, and she won the first prize in the Yokohama Jazz Competition in 1996.

Her passion for jazz led her to the vibrant New York jazz scene, and eventually settled in 2001 where she has since established herself as a prominent figure.

Miki has performed and recorded with a stellar lineup of jazz legends including Kenny Garrett, Ralph Peterson, Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Michael Dease, Vincent Herring, Roy Hargrove, Gary Thomas, Don Braden, Greg Osby, Mark Shim, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Nnenna Freelon, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jazzmeia Horn, Christian McBride, Eric Harland, Victor Lewis and even queen of the soul, Aretha Franklin to name a few.

Her impressive discography includes acclaimed albums such as " Prelude To A Kiss "
and " Wide Angle", the latter earning Swing Journal's Gold Disc Award and Production Award.

Recently, Miki served as the musical director, arranger, and keyboardist for Nnenna Freelon's
GRAMMY-nominated album " Time Traveler". Beyond her jazz career, she enriches her musical versatility by playing hammond organ at the Greater Cathedral United Apostolic Ministries in the Bronx.

Kenny Barron praises her as an " amazing pianist with great chops, a great harmonic concept, and a great imagination. " Miki continues to push boundaries with her exceptional talent and innovative artistry.




bio
QUOTES
"Star rise in New York Jazz Scene." -Jazz Gallery
"This young Japanese female pianist, Miki Hayama who was brought by Kenny Garrett, played very impressive. Like Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Keiko Matsui, she is one of great upcoming Japanese pianists."
 -Syracuse New Times
"Kenny Garrett, Chief Blackwater, introduced pianist Miki Hayama, who contributed dense harmonies and a flowing chromatic interlude...Hayama fasioned a pensive backdrop for a Garrett's soprano sax recital Akatombo, a part of his folk-theme-inspired Asian Medley, and evoked classic fender rhodes keyboard grooves when music turned blues or funk-driven."
 -Washington Post  from the Kennedy Center live perfomance review.
"Hayama's piano playing is outstanding. Her techniques, accent, rhythm, compositions, and over all, it's a world class master piece."    -Tomohiro Nakayama from Swing Journal review of the album " Prelude To A Kiss"
"Miki Hayama, this young lady,born in Kyoto, Japan, swings as if she's Harlem grown. Colorful and creative, her style is both aggressive and sensitive...." -Dr.Victor Lewis
 
"Crispy articulate.."    -New York Times