A Swiss vocalist, pianist, composer, and improviser with Japanese and Polish roots, Yumi Ito’s voice invites us to a world beyond borders. In April 2023, she released her latest album Ysla containing art-pop, jazz, and neo-classical elements. Ysla, the fifth album released under her name, includes seven songs that delve deeper into serious themes, including loneliness, separation, the end of the world, and rebirth. Working with the Polish bassist Kuba Dworak and the Spanish drummer Iago Fernández on this album, Yumi Ito made all the piano recordings for Ysla. Her most characteristic quality is probably her ability to suffuse her compositions and performances with transparent, reflective, and intense energy. To date, she has worked with various musicians, such as Al Jarreau, Becca Stevens, Nils Petter Molvær, and Mark Turner. She will be performing at Akbank Sanat on September 27.
Yumi Ito: Piano, vocal
Iago Fernández: Drums
Kuba Dworak: Double bass