Makoto Horiuchi

When Quincy Jones launched his Qwest record label in 1980, Makoto Horiuchi was the first arranger and producer he signed. He was also one of the first jazz artists on the label. It was a dream come true for Makoto, who had roomed with legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryell in college and played the local club circuit in San Francisco. Makoto delivered two albums for Qwest: a self-titled project and the R&B-leaning Nside, which featured famed singer, songwriter, and Michael Jackson collaborator, Siedah Garrett. A dedicated family man, Makoto eventually put his career on pause to raise his three boys, while at the same time refining his skills. In 2015, Makoto returned to the scene and launched his own label, KulTone Records. Its first release was his third solo album, Spirit of the Island. The project, which features former Weather Report drummer Eric Gravatt, was inspired by the music and culture of islands from around the world. Most recently, Makoto produced and arranged the debut album for Sybil Thomas, daughter of soul legend Rufus Thomas. Released on KulTone, Breathe is a modern take on classic R&B.