"Ms. Collins plays trumpet and flugelhorn like a twenty-first century Miles Davis"
Derek Ansell - Jazz Journal International
"...one of the best out there on the current trumpet community. Your section playing, tone, control, and solo chops, outstanding!!"
Eric Miyashiro
"Her phrasing, sound and lyricism remind me of great singers. For me, that is one of the best compliments that I could give to any trumpet player!"
Mike Vax
Kiku is thrilled for the many press opportunities including an ITG feature, the cover of The Brass Herald in 2008 and several stories afterward, fantastic cd reviews and airplay for "Here With Me", TV appearances, and many wonderful reviews and Getzen, Chopsaver and Ultrapure ad placements over the years. She is currently touring with Michael Bolton, playing trumpet and singing backup, formerly as part of the Sugarhorns section alongside Jessy J and Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen, but now alongside Contemporary Jazz artist Michael Lington. Kiku also enjoys freelancing as an actor, musician and singer in off Broadway productions, local and international festivals, and so many other beautiful career paths that keep her looking back smiling, and looking forward to more blessings.
Kiku is currently in the process of recording album number 2. Despite her demanding touring and parenting schedule, it's going to happen soon, maybe in time for Christmas 2010! Kiku is also known worldwide as Beyonce Knowles former trumpet player from 2006-2007, and is always thankful for the opportunities, knowledge, experience, and friendships that special time brought to her. Thank you to Beyonce, Management, Band and Crew! She hopes to once again cross professional and personal paths with everyone involved.
"Here With Me", a flugelhorn instrumental album featuring oodles of multitracking (on the flugelhorn, muted trumpet and trombone!) is available at www.innova.mu, www.cdbaby.com and itunes, as well as many other places on the internet and on the shelves! Ms. Collins is a very proud mother to an amazing, beautiful daughter!
Last but DEFINITELY not least, please support http://www.ameriface.org/endorsements.html... Ameriface/CleftAdvocate is an organization very close to Kiku's heart.
This former "Jersey Girl" found her way from a small northern NJ town to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, after doing a 2 summer stint at their National Music Camp. From there, she went on to study classical performance at Manhattan School of Music. Her mentor, Mr. Mel Broiles, always encouraged her, as one of the few female trumpet players trying to survive in a man's world. He wanter her to never give up on her dreams and encouraged her to stretch her goals to include something "other than classical", and his voice has always stayed with her.
Kiku brings professionalism to every job in every style, with her sense of humor and sense of adventure that leads her to play and sing with a diverse group of artists. While Kiku has been seen around town, as well as around the world, with major pop stars- most notably and recently with Beyonce and currently Michael Bolton, she has truly found her voice in "Here With Me". This smoothly satisfying album redefines evocative jazzy compositions and rich orchestration. Her multiple tracking on the flugelhorn, muted trumpet and trombone, showcases a level of musicianship of the highest order and demonstrates what a band of Kikus might sound like.
In addition to her solo album and work with other artists, Kiku has been heard the world over in television and radio commercials for such clients as Sprite, ABC Nightline, Checkers, Miller, Sony, HBO Latin, Visa, Burger King, Ikea, Carefree Gum, Phillips, Wisk, Certs and many others. Ms. Collins has also produced an impressive number of commercials. Kiku is not only a featured Getzen trumpet artist, but her debut album has been featured on many radio stations, and has gotten tons of press from publications like BBC, International Trumpet Guild, The Brass Herald, Black Owl Music, Le Jazz Affair, Radiophone, WEMU 89.1 in Michigan, NPR, a 3 page article in Jazz Colours Magazine in June 2007 (which hails Collins the "Princess of Smooth Jazz"), Vinilemania, The Jazz Suite, Hot House Jazz, Smooth Jazz, CMJ, WMPG, WGBH, Harris Radio, Julian's Flight, Trumpetgig.com, The Fevered Brain of Radio Mike... and her Getzen posters and ads can be seen all over in schools, music shops, and in Downbeat, Jazz Times Magazine and other music and educational publications. Whether you hear Ms. Collins on the television or radio, with mega-pop stars or local NYC acts, one thing is crystal clear; her passion and love for life come through in her sound, her voice, her eyes, her soul.
Kiku is currently playing on a Getzen 3001MV trumpet. , Custom Flugelhorn. , and an Eterna Tenor 998 Valve Trombone. Thank you, Getzen! Kiku also uses Josh Landress mouthpiece sleeves. Thanks, Josh! Kiku is currently experimenting with Loud Mouthpieces and digs the 3z, RB3c, 75M and 10.5c on her trumpet and the LM64 for trombone, while toying around with other models too! Thank you to the Tuba King, Joe Murphy, and Screamin' Steve Patrick of Loud Mouthpieces! And Kiku uses Ultra Pure Oils and slide grease, and Chopsaver Lip Ointment exclusively! Thank you!!! Kiku also plays a Schilke piccolo trumpet, and a no name pocket trumpet. And has completely fallen in love with her Torpedo Classic Nylon case .
Person:
Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Dave Wakeling, Sami Yaffa, Jill Sobule, Davy Jones, Dave Mason, Peter Erskine, Walter White, Robert Gordon, Jonathan Richmond, and goodness this list could go on, and on...
Place:
Royal Albert Hall – London, Budokahn – Japan, Yonge-Dundas Square – Toronto, Canada, Brighton Dome – London, Chicago Theater, Earl’s Court – London, Reliant Stadium – Houston, National Arena – Jamaica, Lincoln Center – NY, Asser Levy Park – NY, Irving Plaza - NY, Webster Hall - NY, Highline Ballroom - NY, House of Blues - LV and NC...
Thing:
Headlining Soloist: The Brass Group in Palermo, Italy, and Durham Brass Festival, UK, Actress - leading roles in 2 off Broadway shows in NYC (Fire Island and Degeneracy), Actress on TV - commercials for Marshalls Department Store, VH1, NY Sports Clubs Oprah, Grammy’s, America Music Awards, World Music Awards, Today Show, BET Music Awards, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, Fashion Rocks, The View, Tyra Banks Show, BBC, TRL on VH1, NY1
Beyonce Irreplaceable Music Video (Trumpet), Beyonce Green Light Music Video (Trumpet/Trombone), Paul Mitchell Trade Video (Model), The Studio TV pilot (Actor), Degeneracy, leading role (Actor and musician) in 3LD multimedia production, "Hiroko" in Fire Island by Charles Mee for 3 Legged Dog (Actor)
PBS, Sprite, Hawaiian Punch, Corn Nuts, Hot Jobs, ABC Nightline, Checkers, Miller, Sony, HBO Latin, Etrade, Nicotel, Visa, Burger King, Ten Pin Alley, Isotoner, Ikea, Carefree, Phillips, Wisk, Certs, History Channel.... and others.
With the understanding that I do tour a bit for work, private lessons are now available for beginner-intermediate students in the NYC area. My studio is located in Manhattan.
I can also travel to you, though there will be a travel fee depending on your location. We can also discuss iChat lessons.
*24 hour cancellation notice required.
Rates higher for further locations or hard to reach neighborhoods. Rates also higher for check payments. Gift certificates available.
For those who wonder what "Kiku" means, it is Japanese for Chrysanthemum. :)