Sumi Tonooka, born October 3, 1956 in Philadelphia, is an American jazz pianist, composer, and educator. She began playing piano at age seven, influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. Tonooka moved to Boston at fifteen to study under Margaret Chaloff and Charlie Banacos before completing her Bachelor of Arts at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. Tonooka's professional career started in 1974 with Philly Joe Jones' band. She released her debut album With an Open Heart in 1984, followed by notable works such as Taking Time (1990) and Long Ago Today (2004). Throughout her career, she collaborated with prominent musicians including Kenny Burrell, Little Jimmy Scott, and Rufus Reid. Tonooka also composed for films like the 2005 documentary Queen of the Mountain.
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