Takuya Kuroda

Trombonist Takuya Kuroda, born in Kobe, Japan, is a musician and composer known for his unique sound blending post-bop, soul-jazz, and hip-hop. Following his brother's path, Kuroda met vocalist José James at Berklee College of Music; this connection evolved into a long-term musical and professional partnership.

After completing his jazz education at The New School, Kuroda quickly established himself on the New York scene, performing with names like Junior Mance, Greg Tardy, and Akoya Afrobeat. He contributed trumpet and horn arrangements to José James's albums "Blackmagic" and "No Beginning No End," while James produced Kuroda's 2014 Blue Note debut, Rising Son.

On his 2016 Concord Records album "Zigzagger," Kuroda deepened his integration of funk, fusion, and hip-hop influences. Drawing references from Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown, and Miles Davis while also drawing from the electronic worlds of Flying Lotus and J Dilla, his latest album "Everyday" is regarded as a mature expression of his approach that fuses jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul.