FUMIO ITABASHI 板橋文夫
Genres: Post Bop, Avant-Garde Jazz, Pop, Art Song, Folk, Jazz Related Electronica, Hip-Hop, Hard Bop, World Fusion, Progressive Big Band, Post-Fusion Contemporary, Jazz Related Soundtracks • Japan

Born in Tochigi, Japan.  Fumio started playing jazz while studying at the prestigious Kunitachi College of Music. Made his professional debut as a member of the Sadao Watanabe Quintet in 1971 and then joined Terumasa Hino Quintet and Takeo Moriyama Quartet while his own trio released a number of albums during the 70s.  Was a member of the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine World Tour from 1985 to 1987 including other international artists gaining him global fame.  In 1991, Fumio joined the Ray Anderson's album "Wishbon" and made an appearance in the Village Vangard in New York before touring North America with them.  Set up his own label [Mix Dynamite] and his own "Mix Dynamite Unit" in 1993 starting to play with artists from different genres of music.  Made an appearance in the Knitting Factory's New York Jazz Festival in 1997 as the first Japanese artist. read more...