Akiko Tsuruga-Magnarelli

I am saddened and brokenhearted after hearing about the death of my friend and teacher.

Car mats. Yes, car mats. That's how I met Akiko. She was playing at Room 623 in Harlem one evening, and I was sitting at the bar. My first time hearing her play. It was hard to believe that this little lady was grooving so hard. But the pedals on her portable organ kept slipping on the club's floor while she played. She would be hitting those pedals and they would slip away from her, little by little, until she had to stretch her leg to drag them back. Over and over this kept...

I had the great pleasure of playing with Akiko in a jam session at a club in Osaka called 'Rugtime' quite a few years ago, where I sat in on Bass for several sets. Her artistry was immediately apparent and she played with unbridled joy, and I'm honored to have made music with her. The news of her passing was a huge jolt, and I offer my deepest condolences to her family and her husband Joe. She left a tremendous lasting legacy of truly great music and certainly became one of the true giants of...

Akiko was not only an unbelievable musician, but such a sweet, strong, beautiful, fashionable, and fascinating person in general. Her smile lit up whatever room she was in (and she exuded sheer joy while at the keys), and anyone who knew her was lucky. She is very missed.

I met Akiko at Showman’s in August 2010. She told me she would be performing at the Green Mill Jazz Club, Chicago 8/7/2010. I was there. When visiting NYC would go see her, especially when I moved back to Brooklyn 2015-2017. Last time I saw her was at Winter’s Jazz Club, Chicago on Sat. 4/22/2023. Besides her immense musical talent she was one of the kindest, good natured persons I have ever met. Whenever I saw her perform she always gave me time & talked to me. A most special lady & so...

I saw Akiko perform many times over the years. Not only was she a phenomenal musician, but she radiated joy warmth and energy when she played, and she was always happy to talk after a gig. My wife and I will really miss her.