Drummer, composer and educator, Tomohiro Mori was born in Fukuoka, Japan in 1992. He started playing the drums at age 3 and piano at age 5. Being raised by musical parents, Tomo was exposed to music at a very early age. His mother and father, who played piano and guitar respectively, formed a family band and played Beatles covers, in which Tomo was an active part of.

Originally, Tomo wanted to form a band with friends around his age. Although he initially did not have a strong interest in jazz, his pianist friend called Tomo to form a jazz band. Finally, he started playing jazz and formed a jazz band with his friends when he was thirteen years old. He has performed in gigs and music festivals around his hometown with this group.

After studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, he released three albums under his name and has become one of the most promising artists in New York City. He also plays a vital role in connecting the jazz scenes of New York and Japan.

森智大

1992年福岡県出身。音楽好きの両親の影響で, 3歳よりドラム, 5歳よりピアノを始める。13歳よりジャズバンドを結成し、様々なギグ、音楽フェスティバルに出演。2011年バークリー音楽大学へ入学。2015年卒業後はNYを拠点に活動し、Smalls, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Minton’s PlayhouseなどNYの主要ジャズクラブにも出演。Downbeat MagazineやHot House Jazz Magazineで注目の若手ジャズミュージシャンとして紹介される。これまで3枚のリーダーアルバムをリリースし、NYのミュージシャンと共に定期的に日本ツアーも行っている。演奏だけではなく、大学ジャズ研でのワークショップ、小中学校での授業、オンラインレッスンなど教育活動にも力を入れている。

Photographer: Daichi Chohara