During the past twenty-eight years, Eri has been sharing her uniquely lyrical and evocative music with listeners in New York City, throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Africa, Jamaica, and Australia; with appearances in concerts, clubs, and major festivals.

Eri recently put out a new recording, Colors of the Night, with long-time collaborators William Parker and Ikuo Takeuchi on bass and drums. The CD, on Mahakala Records, captures their rapport as they improvise openly and freely on Eri’s new set of original songs.

A Woman With A Purple Wig was Eri’s previous release, and her fourteenth as a leader. This powerful music came out of her experiences as an Asian woman living in New York City during the pandemic. She felt compelled to write lyrics and sing for the first time. The New Yorker writes: “Purposeful songs….address racial and sexual discrimination, yet also step back to celebrate simple joys. Colors are Beautiful is as affirming as the title track is critical.” Filmmaker Aleksandra Szczepanowska was moved to create music videos of both songs. A Woman With a Purple Wig, won the prize for best music video at the prestigious Big Apple Film Festival in 2023.

Eri has also been dedicated to the art of solo piano, moving audiences with her renditions of her own compositions and her spontaneous improvisations. Her most recent release, Yellow Flower, covers a wide range of images and experiences.  It is her second solo piano album, following her 2017 Live at Benicassim.  

Eri was born in Osaka, Japan. She began playing classical piano at age three, and started composing at eight. In 1995, she moved to New York City to pursue a life in jazz. She entered the New School University, where she was mentored by Reggie Workman.  While in school, Eri started playing at the Avenue B Social Club in the East Village, where she befriended pianist Matthew Shipp, who introduced her to bassist/composer William Parker.

In addition to appearing on several recordings and concerts with William, Eri has also been collaborating with suchcreative and celebrated musicians as Daniel Carter, Hamid Drake, Steve Swell, Whit Dickey, Matt Lavelle, Michael T.A. Thompson and Federico Ughi.