For those unaware, Haruna Fukazawa is a New York-based flutist, improviser, composer and a voting member of the Recording Academy, originally from Tokyo, Japan, Haruna blends classical training with a bold, joyful improvisational style deeply inspired by her mentor, Frank Wess. Haruna is a 2026 GRAMMY® Nominee in Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for “SHAYAN” by Charu Suri.

​Haruna studied classical music at Musashino Academia Musicae in Tokyo, Japan before setting her sights on New York City, where she began studying with Frank Wess. Encouraged by him, she made the move to New York, launching a dynamic career that bridges tradition and innovation.

1. Plays at the Wrong Time
2. When I Fall in Love
3. Mellow Shadow
4. Hot & Spicy, Sometimes Sweet
5. Let’s Cool One
6. Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most
7. Fungii Mama
8. When I Fall in Love (Alternative Take) (available on the physical CD only)

Recorded at the Trading 8s Recording Studio in NJ, Haruna opens her new recording on the joyfully souled Plays at the Wrong Time and then brings us the emotively willowy When I Fall in Love, the enjoyable Mellow Shadow and the impassioned Hot & Spicy, Sometimes Sweet.

Along next is the gently strident fare of Let’s Cool One which is itself backed seamlessly by the lush gossamer of Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most and the upbeat and sexy hipsway of Fungii Mama, coming to an all-too-soon close on an alternative take of When I Fall in Love.

Haruna is a multiple-time winner of the National Flute Association’s Jazz Flute Big Band Audition (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) and won the NFA Professional Flute Choir Competition in 2021. She was featured as a soloist for Ali Ryerson’s composition at the NFA in 2022 and was the featured performer with her quintet at the 19th NFA Convention in 2021.

Musicians / Instruments:
🎶 Haruna Fukazawa – flute & alto flute
🎶 Steve Wilson – soprano saxophone & flute
🎶 David DeMotta – piano
🎶 Bill Moring – bass
🎶 Steve Johns – drum