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IKUKO MAY
The Voice, The Soul, The Journey
Jazz vocalist and storyteller Ikuko May shares songs that gleam with grace, playfulness, and sizzling energy. 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".She also honed her vocal and stylistic versatility under the guidance of Jennifer Scott, one of Canada’s most acclaimed jazz vocalists.
More recently, she took the stage at Guilt & Co with drummer, Juno Award winner, and CBC-Alcan laureate Buff Allen, who was also a 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, with flashlights as spotlights and neighborhood kids as her audience. She launched her singing career in the early 2000s, building her craft under mentors like Linton Garner, along with pianists Ron Johnston and Charlie Austin.
In 2002, Ikuko opened for the legendary Ray Brown Trio. This experience further encouraged her to perform at well-known jazz venues in Nagoya, including Star Eyes, Jazz Spot 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. She sings 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.
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What Audience Say
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Ikuko's renditions of jazz songs were delivered with such tenderness! She captivated the audience with personality and her repertoire. Whether performing with a small combo or a larger ensemble, Ikuko brings authenticity to every performance.
— JEANNE RUDD, JAZZ VOCALIST
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"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
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The first time I heard Ikuko sing jazz live, I was utterly captivated. I never imagined that here in Vancouver, I would encounter a Japanese vocalist capable of performing jazz with such extraordinary artistry and soul. It was a truly unforgettable moment.
— TOSHI M, VANCOUVER BUSINESS CONSULTANT
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COMING SOON