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 (*Grammy Nominated)
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 By Aleksandra 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
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 (*Grammy Nominated)
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 By Aleksandra 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
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 (*Grammy Nominated)
2013: Perennial Dreamer By Olivia Foschi
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 (*Grammy Nominated)
2013: Perennial Dreamer By Olivia Foschi
Currently, Miki is working on her studio album. Stay
tuned !
Vibrant
Release Year: 2004
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Release Year: 2004
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Prelude To A Kiss
Release Year:2007
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Release Year:2007
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Wide Angle
Release Year: 2009
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Release Year: 2009
Art Union @Jazz, Japan
Live in Kobe
Release Year: 2016
Time Machine Record, JP
Release Year: 2016
Time Machine Record, JP
Ania Giniewska Photography
Sebastian Wolosz Photography
Ian Jacko Jackson photography
Ian Jacko Jackson Photography
Two-time GRAMMY-nominated
pianist Miki Hayama, born in Kyoto, earned a classical piano
degree from Osaka College of Music. She furthered her jazz
studies with esteemed Sadayasu Fujii at the Fuji Jazz School
in Kyoto.
After graduating, she performed at jazz clubs throughout the Kansai area and won first prize at the 1996 Yokohama Jazz Competition.
Her passion for jazz led her to New York, where she settled in 2001 and has since become a prominent figure in the jazz community.
Miki has performed and recorded with renowned jazz artists such as 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, Lakecia Benjamin, Victor Lewis, and even queen of soul, Aretha Franklin.
Her discography features acclaimed albums such as "Prelude To A Kiss," which received a 5-star rating from Swing Journal for its 'lyrical daring' and 'emotional depth.' "Wide Angle" earned Swing Journal's Gold Disc Award and Production Award, further establishing her reputation for excellence.
Hayama has worked as a musical director, producer, arranger, pianist, and keyboardist for Nnenna Freelon's 2022 GRAMMY-nominated album "Time Traveler." For the past 15 years, she has been a pianist and MD for Nnenna Freelon. She is also a pianist of NEA jazz master Dee Dee Bridgewater and her "We Exist" band and the Don Braden Quartet. Additionally, she performs on Hammond organ at the Greater Cathedral United Apostolic Ministries in the Bronx, demonstrating her versatility.
Kenny Barron praises her as an "amazing pianist with great chops, a great harmonic concept, and a great imagination." Dr. Victor Lewis stated, “Miki Hayama, born in Kyoto, Japan, swings as if she's Harlem grown.” Her style is recognized for its color, creativity, and a balance of energy and sensitivity.
After graduating, she performed at jazz clubs throughout the Kansai area and won first prize at the 1996 Yokohama Jazz Competition.
Her passion for jazz led her to New York, where she settled in 2001 and has since become a prominent figure in the jazz community.
Miki has performed and recorded with renowned jazz artists such as 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, Lakecia Benjamin, Victor Lewis, and even queen of soul, Aretha Franklin.
Her discography features acclaimed albums such as "Prelude To A Kiss," which received a 5-star rating from Swing Journal for its 'lyrical daring' and 'emotional depth.' "Wide Angle" earned Swing Journal's Gold Disc Award and Production Award, further establishing her reputation for excellence.
Hayama has worked as a musical director, producer, arranger, pianist, and keyboardist for Nnenna Freelon's 2022 GRAMMY-nominated album "Time Traveler." For the past 15 years, she has been a pianist and MD for Nnenna Freelon. She is also a pianist of NEA jazz master Dee Dee Bridgewater and her "We Exist" band and the Don Braden Quartet. Additionally, she performs on Hammond organ at the Greater Cathedral United Apostolic Ministries in the Bronx, demonstrating her versatility.
Kenny Barron praises her as an "amazing pianist with great chops, a great harmonic concept, and a great imagination." Dr. Victor Lewis stated, “Miki Hayama, born in Kyoto, Japan, swings as if she's Harlem grown.” Her style is recognized for its color, creativity, and a balance of energy and sensitivity.
Miki continues to push boundaries through her exceptional talent and innovative artistry.
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
-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.
-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