Makoto Horiuchi

In 1980, Makoto Horiuchi attained the distinction of being the first Asian arranger, musician and producer signed by Quincy Jones at his Qwest record label. Notably, he was a pioneering Asian American jazz artist who joined a major label like Qwest. This achievement marked a profound realization of Makoto's aspirations, shaped by his earlier experiences rooming with the legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryell in college and performing in the vibrant Bay Area San Francisco music scene.
Under the Qwest, Makoto crafted two notable albums: a self-titled project and the R&B-infused "Nside," featuring as a songwriter the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and Michael Jackson collaborator, Siedah Garrett. Despite his promising trajectory, Makoto, driven by a commitment to family, temporarily suspended his career to nurture his three boys, all the while honing and refining his musical skills.
In 2015, Makoto made a return to the music scene, creating his own collaborative label, KulTone Records. The inaugural release under KulTone was his third solo album, "Spirit of the Island," a project influenced by the music and cultures of islands worldwide, featuring the extraordinary Weather Report & McCoy Tyner drummer Eric Gravatt.
In 2018, Makoto showcased his production and arranging prowess on the debut album "Breathe" for Sybil Thomas, daughter of the soul legend Rufus Thomas. A contemporary interpretation of classic R&B, "Breathe" exemplifies Makoto's versatility. Additionally, he worked on the debut album "Portia Faces Life" for Portia Griffin, also known as Portia G, a studio singer in LA with credits including performances with Jeffery Osborne and the Sweet Inspirations. Both projects found their home on KulTone Records.
Continuing his creative journey, Makoto has recently released the albums "Gotta Keep On" and "Ancestor’s Spirit," showcasing his enduring passion and commitment to musical excellence.