- Joel Roberts in AllAboutJazz-New York - September 2010 | No. 101 on page 28.
Click here to go directly to this review in AllAboutJazz-New York (pdf download)

“A former jazz piano prodigy in her native Japan (she transcribed Bud Powell solos at the age of five and was performing regularly at Tokyo jazz clubs by 12), […]

Like Hiromi, Tokyo native Ayako Shirasaki (who currently resides in New York) was a classically trained prodigy who discovered jazz early (influences include Bud Powell and Art Tatum) and was soon amassing awards. Often playing with grand orchestral flourishes , she’s been praised for her intricate harmonies, strong melodic sense and powerfully rhythmic approach to […]

“Ayako Shirasaki added the final touches to an evening of piano virtuoso expression with an exceptionally playful yet respectful interpretation of Dizzy Gillespie’s “Con Alma” then turning in a charming performance on the classical-waltz standard “Someday My Prince Will Come.”
For the finale piece of the set and concert, the lady challenges herself on a complicated […]

Olaf Maikopf about Ayako Shirasaki’s CD “Musically Yours” in Jazzthetik, Feb. 2010, page 59
“Several weeks ago, the classically trained pianist Ayako Shirasaki was to be experienced on German concert stages (presented by Jazzthetik).
Until now, there are five CDs to be heard from the japanese, but already some time in New York-based artist - “Musically Yours” […]

 Nabil Atassi about Ayako Shirasaki’s concerts in Hamburg for the German Jazz Magazine Jazzthetik, Dec. 2009, page 66
“Improvisation, interpretation or composition? This question arises from the possibility of being able to experience the jazz pianist Ayako Shirasaki on two consecutive evenings with completely different formations. The conditions of the two concerts in Hamburg could not […]