Takuya Kuroda – Trumpeter and Composer

Takuya Kuroda is a Japanese trumpeter and composer born in Kobe and based in New York, whose music connects jazz, soul, funk, afrobeat, hip-hop, and electronic music.

After moving to the United States, he developed his jazz education in New York and became part of a scene that led to an extensive collaboration with José James, as well as work with projects including Akoya Afrobeat and DJ Premier’s band.

In 2014, he released Rising Son through Blue Note Records, produced by José James. The album expanded his international profile and defined an approach in which improvisation coexists with structures built around groove.

Throughout his career, Kuroda has developed a recognizable language shaped by the warmth of his trumpet tone, melodic clarity, and an understanding of jazz that remains open to dialogue with different contemporary rhythmic traditions.