Saki Minamimoto is a professional Jazz vocalist, singer-songwriter, bandleader and improviser originating from Japan. Her performances showcase her creative approach to using the voice as instrument, delivering a unique blend of healing roots music that merges Jazz and Pop with experimental elements. Inspired by a diverse range of influences such as literature, film, visual arts, philosophy, the beauty of everyday experiences, her ethereal vocal tones mesmerize listeners.
Saki began her musical journey at the age of five, excelling in both classical and pop piano. During her college years in Japan, she enchanted audiences with her jazz performances, which inspired her to pursue further education in the United States. At Berklee College of Music, she honed her jazz performance skills under the guidance of distinguished instructors such as Lisa Thorson and Bob Stoloff, and also with other educators in the Boston area, like Dominique Eade.
After starting her teaching career in Tokyo, she returned to the U.S. in 2007, where she continued her studies with Janet Lawson in New York City, ultimately leading to her debut recording, "Somewhere," in collaboration with Michael Kanan.
In 2008, Saki and Jon Estes met in Brooklyn and formed the musical duo Poncho Poncho. Their 2010 EP, Hello Hello, featured Saki's Japanese lyrics alongside lo-fi electronica, earning comparisons to Bjork and Beach House. With their 2013 EP, Sinfonia, they switched to English lyrics and added acoustic elements. Their 2015 album, Realm of Gold, showcased their development by blending electronic soundscapes with captivating melodies and introspective lyrics.
Poncho Poncho's album, "Birthday" (2018), continued the legacy of its earlier works by celebrating the lively pop music landscape. Featuring memorable melodies and genuine lyrics, highlights the band's artistic development.
Saki resides in San Francisco, collaborating with talented musicians from the Bay Area such as Ben Goldberg, Lisa Mezzacappa, Beth Schenck, Ian Carey, Kasey Knudsen, Jon Arkin, and Nathan Clevenger, and many more. With a unique combination of sounds and styles, her love for music shines in every show, making a memorable impact on her audience. Saki is leaving her mark on the dynamic music scene in the San Francisco Bay Area.