Miki Yamanaka photo (left) by Martina DaSilva; Nicole Glover photo (right) by Ebro Yildiz

Miki Yamanaka lights up every room she plays, blending deep swing, sharp instincts, and a joyful presence that draws listeners in. She writes, “Our record Breathe will be out in August—fresh off the press, bringing the brand-new music with this incredible quartet to MN people! My trio has been working as a band for the last 6 years and it is getting tighter, now we add our good friend Nicole Glover to the trio sound. One of the busiest musicians in the business right now, don't miss this chance for this one-night-only performance at Berlin!!!”

Band Members:
Miki Yamanaka - Piano
Tyrone Allen II - Bass
Jimmy Macbride - Drums
Nicole Glover - Saxophone

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Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has wasted no time in establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but also her vibrant personality. Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and has held notable residencies at mainstay West Village clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. Yamanaka has also gained international recognition from her albums as a leader. Her most recent and most celebrated release, “Chance” (Cellar Music), features her NYC rhythm section, Tyrone Allen and Jimmy Macbride.

During the pandemic, Yamanaka developed a weekly in-home livestreaming concert series titled “Miki’s Mood,” on which she features a who’s who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator, drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic jazz composers.

As a sideman, Yamanaka has worked with jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Antonio Hart, who posits, “Miki will be recognized as one of the most exceptional artists of her generation, as she is already one of the most talented and dedicated musicians from Japan.” She currently works in the Harish Raghavan Quintet and the Mingus Big Band. One of her most respected mentors on piano and organ, Larry Goldings, once mused, “If only I could have Miki Yamanaka comp behind me!—”a compliment of the highest order from one master pianist to another. Her recorded work has received a myriad of glowing reviews, and the iconic DownBeat jazz magazine has repeatedly awarded her high marks.

On top of her exciting work as a bandleader in New York and abroad, Miki can often be found out and about most nights, where her infectious smile and gregarious nature engender fast friends in every audience she encounters. She has many hobbies, including cooking; knitting; and perhaps most visibly, wearing her vast collection of kimonos on her gigs, proudly representing her heritage and culture night after night as she dazzles audiences around the world.

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Nicole Glover is a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and educator based in New York City. A rising star and sought-after collaborator, she is currently a member of Ursa Major—led by bassist Christian McBride—and a core member of the supergroup ARTEMIS, directed by Renee Rosnes. She appears on both of the group’s latest Blue Note releases: In Real Time (2023) and Arboresque (2025). In 2025, ARTEMIS was named Best Jazz Group in DownBeat Magazine’s Critics Poll for the second consecutive year. Glover has also performed and toured with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, including a 2023 tour of Australia featuring Marsalis’ symphonic work All Rise with the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.

Glover has worked under the leadership of drummers Al Foster, Victor Lewis, Lenny White, Kenny Washington, Carl Allen, and Joe Farnsworth; Grammy-winning vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Buika; bassists John Clayton, John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, Ben Wolfe, Harish Raghavan, and Or Bareket; vibraphonist Joel Ross; and pianists Bill Charlap, Geoffrey Keezer, Luis Perdomo, Aaron Diehl, Micah Thomas, and George Colligan, among others.

She leads her own trio with bassist Tyrone Allen II and drummer Kayvon Gordon. Their previous release, Plays, featuring vibraphonist Steve Nelson, was described by DownBeat magazine as “The State of the Tenor circa 2024.” In 2025, the trio headlined the legendary Village Vanguard, and released their sophomore album Memories, Dreams, Reflections on HighNote-Savant Records.

Nicole Glover is the best tenor saxophonist to come along in a long, long time. Whether it's hard-hitting bebop, a pretty ballad, some filthy blues or modern, she can do it all. Hawk, Don Byas, Wardell Gray, Hank Mobley, Johnny Griffin and even Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis are all looking down smiling at her.
– Kenny Washington, jazz drummer