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、福岡県生まれ。音楽好きの両親の影響で、3歳からドラム、5歳からピアノを始める。13歳でジャズバンドを結成し、地元の音楽フェスティバルやライブハウスを中心に活動を始める。2011年にバークリー音楽大学へ進学し、2015年に卒業。以降はニューヨークを拠点に本格的な音楽活動を展開している。
これまでに Smalls、Jazz at Lincoln Center、Minton’s Playhouse など、ニューヨークの主要ジャズクラブに出演。DownBeat Magazine や Hot House Jazz Magazine などにも注目の若手アーティストとして取り上げられる。
リーダーアルバムを3枚リリースしており、ニューヨークの実力派ミュージシャンとともに定期的に日本ツアーも実施。演奏活動に加えて、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、教育活動にも力を注いでいる。
Photographer: Daichi Chohara