Veteran pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto debuts on prestigious Japanese label evosound with A Shade Of Blue, out on December 8. Famed for his light touch, exquisite musical sensitivity, and hard-swinging approach to the piano, master Yamamoto has enjoyed a long and storied career that has yielded over 50 albums, seen him play alongside American jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Elvin Jones and witnessed him take the stage at many world-renowned music events, including Switzerland’s iconic Montreux Jazz Festival.

Now, at the age of 75, Niigata Japan-born Yamamoto has no desire to retire despite his advancing years. Joining evosound for a first-ever feat, he presents 10 tracks recorded live at Tokyo’s Gotanda Cultural Center Music Hall. A Shade Of Blue is Yamamoto’s love letter to the piano trio format. It reflects his deep appreciation for the music of Erroll Garner, Wynton Kelly, and Red Garland, three immensely gifted African-American pianists who had a profound influence on the Japanese musician’s approach to the piano.