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ikuko may

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IKUKO MAY JAZZ VOCALIST • STORYTELLER • PERFORMER

Jazz vocalist and storyteller Ikuko May shares songs that gleam with grace, playfulness, and sizzling energy. Her singing makes audiences feel joyfully, irresistibly captivated—a delight that lingers long after the last note fades. Grounded in the lineage of the great vocal stylists who came before her, her sound subtly honors icons like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson.

"Ikuko was delicious and delightful. I am a retired professional classical singer and love listening to or attending jazz events. Ikuko's singing was engaging and compelling. Her scat blew me away!" — Carolyn Sinclair, former opera singer

Ikuko performed regularly at one of Vancouver's premier live music venues, Rossini's. She was mentored by pianist Linton Garner—whose brother Errol Garner wrote the iconic "Misty"—and more recently took the stage at Guilt & Co with drummer Buff Allen, whose resume reads: Juno Award winner, CBC-Alcan laureate, and sideman to legends like Teddy Wilson and Lenny Breau.

"Ikuko's renditions of jazz and popular songs were delivered with such tenderness! She captivated the audience with her personality and her repertoire. Whether performing with a small combo or a larger ensemble, Ikuko May brings authenticity to every performance." — Jeanne Rudd, Vancouver jazz vocalist

Born in Japan, Ikuko staged her first concert at age 11—flashlights as spotlights, neighborhood kids as her audience, applause that planted a seed. She launched her singing career in the early 2000s, building her craft under mentors including Linton Garner along with pianists Ron Johnston and Charlie Austin. An early milestone came in 2002 when she opened for the legendary Ray Brown Trio—an experience that further encouraged her to perform at well-known jazz venues in Nagoya, including Star Eyes, Swing, and Caballero Club. Through years of dedication, Ikuko has built an extensive repertoire spanning classic jazz ballads, blues-infused standards, soulful pop, rhythm-driven selections, and Brazilian-influenced numbers—with songs in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.

"Ikuko sings beautifully and expressively. She has a way of putting the meaning of the lyrics across in an unmistakable way that will touch your heart." — Charlie Austin, jazz pianist/composer

In 2018, respected Alberta-based jazz pianist, composer, and published author Charlie Austin produced her debut collection of solo music, Holding Back the Year.

From cozy listening rooms to festival stages, Ikuko delivers performances that are elegant, heartfelt, and unmistakably real.

Y Jazz Vocalist • Storyteller • Performer

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