Yoshitaka "Z2" Tsuji came to New Orleans from his native Osaka, Japan, and has impressed audiences since Day 1 with his huge talent as a pianist and composer. Tsuji, better known as Z2, gained fame as the pianist with Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, but has also established a solid reputation as a leader of his own band. He can play in any number of styles, but when under his own helm – either on the stage or in the recording studio – he demonstrates his gifted mastery of the modern jazz form, with a touch of New Orleans seasoning.  His most recent release, the 2023 “Happy Hour,” includes a sparkling collection of originals and classics like “Sweet Lorraine,” all backed by drummer Willie Green III and bassist Sam Albright. Tsuji can also be found collaborating with his wife, the trad jazz trombonist Haruka Kikuchi.