He navigates his multifaceted career with the finesse of a seasoned improviser. As a pianist, his fingers translate the complex language of jazz into narratives that resonate with both the heart and intellect. His performances, whether in the intimacy of a jazz club or the grandeur of a concert hall, are marked by a profound understanding of the genre's rich history and an innovative spirit that propels it forward.
Beyond the stage, his influence extends into the classroom, where he imparts his deep knowledge and passion for jazz to the next generation of musicians. As an educator, he is known for his ability to demystify the intricacies of jazz theory and improvisation, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to explore and develop their unique voices. His commitment to education is reflected in his tenure at institutions such as California State University, Northridge and Pasadena City College, where he inspires students with both his expertise and enthusiasm.
His role as a jazz journalist adds another dimension to his contributions to the jazz community. His writings, characterized by their insightful analysis and eloquent prose, offer readers a deeper understanding of the art form. Through his articles and reviews, he sheds light on emerging talents, examines the works of established artists, and delves into the evolving landscape of jazz. His journalistic endeavors not only inform but also enrich the discourse surrounding jazz, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy.
In all his pursuits, this pianist/educator/writer embodies the essence of a true jazz artist—ever curious, constantly evolving, and deeply committed to the perpetuation and innovation of this timeless art form.
-Chad G. Peterson-Thile, Los Angeles, 2024
GARY FUKUSHIMA is a keyboardist and composer in Los Angeles, as well as a jazz journalist and monthly contributor to DownBeat Magazine. He has performed throughout the United States, South America, and Asia with Alphonso Johnson and Chester Thompson (Weather Report, Santana, Genesis), Japanese fusion star Senri Kawaguchi, and singer/songwriter Priscilla Ahn. He leads his own progressive electronic jazz group which released their debut EP, Preludes, Vol. 1, in 2019, with a full-length album set for release in 2025.
A native of Seattle, Washington, Gary relocated to Southern California in 2003 and is currently active in the Los Angeles music scene, having recorded and performed with Mike Stern, Ndugu Chancler, Walter Smith III, Katisse Buckingham, Anthony Wilson, Tina Raymond, John Daversa, Anthony Jackson, Clayton Cameron, Gilad Hekselman, Mark Ferber, Alan Ferber, Rickey Woodard, Nick Mancini, Hitomi Oba, Steve Cotter, Cathy Segal Garcia, Nolan Shaheed, Federico Ramos, Jeff Clayton, Mike O’Neill,Joe La Barbara, Larry Koonse, Matt Otto, Darek Oles, Ralph Alessi, Kathleen Grace, Peter Epstein, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Ben Wendel, Roy McCurdy, and others.
He is on the faculties at California State University, Northridge, Pasadena City College, and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and he writes regularly about jazz, having his words published for Downbeat Magazine, LA Weekly, LA Jazz Scene, and other publications, having interviewed or profiled many jazz luminaries including Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Pharoah Sanders, esperanza spalding, Brian Blade, Chick Corea, Abdullah Ibrahim, Brad Mehldau, Wadada Leo Smith, Gerald Clayton, John Clayton, Fred Hersch, Todd Sickafoose, Kenny Burrell, Vijay Iyer, Vince Mendoza, Theo Croker, Jenny Scheinman, Dan Tepfer, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and more.
Beyond the stage, his influence extends into the classroom, where he imparts his deep knowledge and passion for jazz to the next generation of musicians. As an educator, he is known for his ability to demystify the intricacies of jazz theory and improvisation, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to explore and develop their unique voices. His commitment to education is reflected in his tenure at institutions such as California State University, Northridge and Pasadena City College, where he inspires students with both his expertise and enthusiasm.
His role as a jazz journalist adds another dimension to his contributions to the jazz community. His writings, characterized by their insightful analysis and eloquent prose, offer readers a deeper understanding of the art form. Through his articles and reviews, he sheds light on emerging talents, examines the works of established artists, and delves into the evolving landscape of jazz. His journalistic endeavors not only inform but also enrich the discourse surrounding jazz, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy.
In all his pursuits, this pianist/educator/writer embodies the essence of a true jazz artist—ever curious, constantly evolving, and deeply committed to the perpetuation and innovation of this timeless art form.
-Chad G. Peterson-Thile, Los Angeles, 2024
GARY FUKUSHIMA is a keyboardist and composer in Los Angeles, as well as a jazz journalist and monthly contributor to DownBeat Magazine. He has performed throughout the United States, South America, and Asia with Alphonso Johnson and Chester Thompson (Weather Report, Santana, Genesis), Japanese fusion star Senri Kawaguchi, and singer/songwriter Priscilla Ahn. He leads his own progressive electronic jazz group which released their debut EP, Preludes, Vol. 1, in 2019, with a full-length album set for release in 2025.
A native of Seattle, Washington, Gary relocated to Southern California in 2003 and is currently active in the Los Angeles music scene, having recorded and performed with Mike Stern, Ndugu Chancler, Walter Smith III, Katisse Buckingham, Anthony Wilson, Tina Raymond, John Daversa, Anthony Jackson, Clayton Cameron, Gilad Hekselman, Mark Ferber, Alan Ferber, Rickey Woodard, Nick Mancini, Hitomi Oba, Steve Cotter, Cathy Segal Garcia, Nolan Shaheed, Federico Ramos, Jeff Clayton, Mike O’Neill,Joe La Barbara, Larry Koonse, Matt Otto, Darek Oles, Ralph Alessi, Kathleen Grace, Peter Epstein, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Ben Wendel, Roy McCurdy, and others.
He is on the faculties at California State University, Northridge, Pasadena City College, and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and he writes regularly about jazz, having his words published for Downbeat Magazine, LA Weekly, LA Jazz Scene, and other publications, having interviewed or profiled many jazz luminaries including Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Pharoah Sanders, esperanza spalding, Brian Blade, Chick Corea, Abdullah Ibrahim, Brad Mehldau, Wadada Leo Smith, Gerald Clayton, John Clayton, Fred Hersch, Todd Sickafoose, Kenny Burrell, Vijay Iyer, Vince Mendoza, Theo Croker, Jenny Scheinman, Dan Tepfer, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and more.