Born in Hyogo, Japan, Yusuke Yamamoto began studying the organ at age 5, percussion at age 11 and joined a local symphony orchestra soon after. He majored in percussion at Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, and began his career as a classical percussionist while attending college. When his interests later turned to improvisation and jazz, he was awarded a full scholarship for further studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston. While in Boston, Yusuke studied the vibraphone with Gary Burton and performed in numerous concerts, in addition to composing, recording and publishing various works. In 1995, he moved to New York City, where he formed and wrote for his own group, the Golden Monkeys and released its first self-titled album in 1998. Yusuke has played with a wide variety of musicians and at countless venues throughout the city. He has toured to Japan, Finland, Sweden, Italy and around the US with groups, including the Golden Monkeys, Brooklyn Lighthouse, Sound of Village (Mika Pohjola), Echo (Joy Askew) and The Beat Kids. Living in NY, Yusuke is a multi-instrumental musician who performs on vibraphone, drums, percussion, flute, keyboards and bass. His unique sound is a blend of Asian, Brazilian and African music, as well as jazz, electro, dub, rock and contemporary classical. He is currently active with his solo project [channel U] and collaborates with several groups, such as Chimp Beams and Dub Nomads.

links of projects：Golden Monkeys, channel U：Chimp Beams, The Beat Kids, VooDoo Suite, Gelatine

back to channel U page visit Goldenmonkeys page go to Yusuke's Myspace page