Pianist and composer Kei Akagi has been a mainstay of the international jazz world for over two decades. Perhaps best known for his work as a member of the Miles Davis band in the late '80's, his career also includes extended associations with major figures such as Stanley Turrentine, James Newton, Joe Farrell, Al DiMeola, and Airto Moreira. He has also performed or recorded with Art Pepper, Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, Charlie Haden, Charnett Moffett,Tom Harrell, Bobby Shew, Eddie Harris, Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Robin Eubanks, Jeff Watts, Jean-Luc Ponty, Allan Holdsworth, and others.

As a solo artist and leader, Akagi has recorded 8 CD's, including "Mirror Puzzle" (1994) which has won widespread critical acclaim. A 1998 release, "New Smiles and Traveled Miles", is a tribute to Miles Davis. As a sideman and accompanist, he is on over 30 CD's worldwide, including Miles Davis' last recorded works.

As a composer, Akagi has written numerous original works for his own and others' CD's, with over 30 compositions currently in publication. He has also composed modern piano music, which have been performed internationally by classical pianists. More recently, he has been in >demand as an electronic programmer and composer for major international computer music companies. Akagi's concert schedule revolves around two major international concert tours a year.

As Professor of Music at the University of California, Irvine, he directs the jazz studies program, teaching jazz history, theory and composition, jazz piano, and performance.