Aman New York celebrates Tokyo, Manila, New York jazz

The Jazz Club at Aman New York presented Tokyo Manila New York Jazz — a vibrant celebration last Sept. 11–12, 2025, tracing the rich, intertwining jazz traditions of three great cities.

Yuki Arimasa, Briana Swann, Charito, Yoshiki Yamada (bass), Adam Hutcheson (sax) and Yosuke Nagayama (drums)

Curated by interior designer, creative entrepreneur, and long-time Aman patron (Aman Junkie) Maja Olivares-Co,  the evening featured a five-piece ensemble that brought together talent from two continents and three countries to showcase the truly unique appeal of jazz as an art form.  The sold-out show brought in an audience diverse not only in ethnicity but also in age.

Briana Swann and Charito

The line-up included Tokyo-based Filipino vocalist Charito, one of Japan’s renowned jazz vocalists.  She is acclaimed for her award-winning albums and work with legends such as Michel Legrand, Harvey Mason, Ivan Lins and The Manhattan Jazz Orchestra; Japanese pianist Yuki Arimasa, a Berklee alumnus blending classical and jazz; bassist Yoshiki Yamada and drummer Yosuke Nagayama, both celebrated performers with global credits; and American saxophonist Adam Hutcheson, known for appearances in such venues as the Apollo Theatre. 

A guest vocalist, the director of the The Jazz Club at Aman, Briana Swann, grew up with gospel music.  The power of her soulful voice was a great finale.  She has performed in many of the top Jazz Venues in New York such as Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Joe’s Club and The Jazz Club at Aman.

The audience enjoyed beloved jazz and pop standards by Cole Porter, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, reimagined Filipino love songs (kundiman) Minamahal Kita, Buhat, Dahil Sa’yo, and contemporary Japanese pop hits by Ryuchi Sakamoto, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lauwrence, The Last Emperor — it was indeed a soulful jazz journey through rhythm and culture in one of Manhattan’s most intimate and elegant jazz clubs.

Ayee Jose, Debbie di Piazza, Roman Reyes