Jazz trumpeter Takuya Kuroda is a forward-thinking musician with a bent toward mixing post-bop and adventurous soul-jazz. Born in Kobe, Japan, Kuroda followed his older trombonist brother into the local music scene, playing in big bands. After studying music in Japan, Kuroda relocated to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music. After leaving Berklee, Kuroda moved to New York City, where he enrolled at the New School's Jazz and Contemporary Music program. After graduating, Kuroda quickly ensconced himself in the vibrant N.Y.C. jazz scene. In 2012, Kuroda released two independently produced albums, Bitter & High and Six Aces. In 2013, Kuroda signed with Blue Note Records and recorded his third solo album, the José James-produced Rising Son. ~ Matt Collar