Paul Buckmaster
Grammy Award winning Arranger
It has been a great pleasure to meet and work with Derek Nakamoto on several recording dates. First, he was highly recommended by one among my knowledgeable, talented and trusted friends and colleagues in the recording community here in Los Angeles; then, hearing Derek play more than fulfilled my expectations.
As a pianist, he is highly competent and proficient in his mastery of that instrument’s demanding technical exigencies; he is as quick a sight-reader as I have ever worked with, and, in what of course is the real test of musicianship, he quickly grasps the musical intent of the part, and the piece as a whole.  This is a measure not only of his polished technique but of his sensitive artistry.
He is fully competent in, and familiar with the full range of styles that any professional here in this great center of artists, Los Angeles, working at the most demanding of high-end productions, both in film and records, may be called upon, at any day of the week, to perform and interpret.
I can attest to his competence and mastery of several different styles and approaches, where he was playing, in one instance, in the context of a strong rock rhythm section, and in another, with only a string quartet.
And, last, but not least, Derek is a most pleasant man, who combines, seamlessly, in his character, serious professionalism with a light, good-humoured outlook, which helps to make working with him not only a pleasure, but also which helps to make the work go very smoothly.

Steve Corbin
Senior Vice President of R&B
MCA Records/Universal Music Group
I had the pleasure of working with Derek Nakamoto on a project with R&B legends, The OJays, whom I signed to our label, MCA.  The guys had just turned in rough mixes of their self-produced CD “For the Love.”  The music was great but I felt it was missing that finishing touch that would really bring the project home.  Derek came highly recommended by a respected colleague of mine and I am glad to have had him come on board.  While respecting and understanding the artists' vision, he enhanced their production and took it to another level adding the “live” element to the tracks along with wonderful string arrangements.  We were all very satisfied with the results which garnered the group a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal. Derek's music sensibility combined with his ability to relate to all musicians regardless of their style, makes him a great fit for up and coming artists as well as established superstars.

Bob James
Grammy Award winning Pianist/Composer
I have had the pleasure of enjoying Derek’s beautiful arrangements over the years on my dear friend Keiko Matsui’s recordings. They brilliantly captured the essence and heart of Keiko’s compositions presenting them in a unique and different way showcasing her special talent and artistry.

Charlie Bishirat
Grammy Award Winning Violinist
Working with Derek is always a creative and rewarding musical endeavor. He has a skill akin to a film director -- the art of giving life to his vision through his composing, orchestrations and arrangements. Don't miss the opportunity to experience his music either as a listener or a participant. You will be thrilled!

Rob Chiarelli
Producer/Engineer
Derek is the best.  He is always a pleasure to work with and his artistry is second to none. When we worked together on Men In Black and most recently on the Pat Monahan & Train project, his musicianship, string arrangements and artistry inspired everyone involved. And for the last 19 years, I have known nothing less from Derek.  Simply put, Derek is the best.

Keiko Matsui
International Contemporary Jazz Pianis
I first experienced Derek’s arranging skills when I recorded my first album “A Drop of Water”. I knew then he had the sensibilities to bring life to my compositions on a deep spiritual level. His arrangements on my album “Doll” expanded the vision of my music to the world and on my next CD “Sapphire” yielded my first hit single “Safari”. With my latest CD “Moyo – (Heart & Soul)” we had a great time recording in South Africa. With his special gifts and contribution, I could not have completed it without him. For me, music is like a prayer, my offering to the world. Derek not only understands my vision, but shares it giving my music great depth. Thank you Derek for your great musical support and friendship for so many successful years!

June Kuramoto –
Koto Instrumentalist and principal member of Hiroshima
I first meet Derek when he performed with my band Hiroshima. He encouraged and helped me co-write my first recorded composition with the band on a song called “Distant Thoughts” on our album “Third Generation”. I found that his sensitivity captured what my heart wants to say and since then we have collaborated on many special songs, most memorable being the composition Thousand Cranes on Hiroshima’s “East” album. His soul listens to the artist and weaves an orchestra of auras into the songs. He is very close to my heart and my musical soul mate!

Meryl Marshall-Daniels
President at Two Oceans Entertainment Group
Derek composed music for the HBO animated series “Happily Ever After” I produced. He was a wonderfully collaborative, creative and insightful participant in a TV program that continues to be seen on a daily basis throughout the world. He is knowledgeable and easy to work with and easily moves between the executive and creative aspects of business.

Daniel Kobialka
Artist/Violinist
It has been my pleasure to record the beautiful arrangements of Derek Nakamoto.
My attention was drawn to his immediate intimacy and flowing lines, his total understanding of sound textures in his scoring of instruments, and the musical designs of each of his arrangements. He ranks with the great master of musical arrangers, such as Nelson Riddle, and score writings of Alex North. I had the great pleasure of performing many beautiful arrangements of Nelson Riddle , and the honor of performing with Henry Mancini in my own musical career.
Derek, has all of the variety of skills to individualize every arrangement. His knowledge of string writing and flowing lines with lushes harmonies are among the finest that I have every performed and recorded. It has been my warmest pleasure to have the privilege of knowing and working with him.
He is truly a Master of his Art-form.  A kind and devoted artist to his beautiful creativity and expressiveness.

Larry Clarke
Film Producer and Director
When I was looking for a composer for my film, Derek Nakamoto came highly recommended by a few artist that I respect, I was glad that I had trusted their opinions and my gut feeling. Derek’s score for my film “Cutting Horse” captured and enhanced a wide range of emotions in the film; from it’s sensitive intimate moments to the sweeping panoramic shots. His sensitivity and creativity with the orchestral arrangements and melodies went beyond my expectations and I credit many of the accolades the film has received to his emotional score. I look forward to working with Derek again in my future films and highly recommend him as a composer.

Fernando Saunders
Recording Artist former bassist with Lou Reed & Jeff Beck
I first meet Derek when he ask me to play bass on Epic Recording Nicky Holland’s CD. I loved the freedom and space he provided for me to create something special for the song. He heard me playing guitar and made a comment about how unique my style was and I never forgot that.
When I signed my solo deal at A&M records, I ask Derek to co-produce the album with me because I trusted he understood my artistry as a singer and bassist on a deeper intuitive level. I knew he would create a great vibe for the record.
Recording in NY and Los Angeles Derek was able to communicate my ideas and vision not only to the musicians but our support team of engineers as well as the label. It gave me a lot of freedom to be the “artist” and enjoy the creative experience and not get to overwhelmed with a lot of the responsibilities had I produced the record on my own. We also developed a close friendship thru this experience.
I still call on Derek to tour and perform with me as his presence always creates a wonderful “vibe” on stage just as he creates in the studio.

Angela Luna
Independent Recording Artist
Derek has guided the development of my songs and allowed me to clarify my voice not only as a powerful vocalist but as a powerful artist. My The Truth Against the World  CD wentbeyondmy expectations and fused a lot of intensity and humor that might have gotten muted by a different producer. We recorded basic tracks in Connecticut and he patiently worked with the musicians I had assembled, culling the best performances from each one and handling with grace the at times stressful aspects of a project with such large scope.  In the end, Derek produced a brilliant CD. 

Yoko Fujimoto
Singer from Kodo
I met the widely talented and sensitive Derek Nakamoto 5 years ago. He was the musical director on the Triangle Project. Not only did he create the wonderful musical backdrop for the production and CD, but he was – and continues to be – a grea musical and spiritual support. He told me “ I want to work with your voice”, and so this album was born. Derek not only brings the best out in a performer, but he expands the field to be explored by the listeners’ imagination. He is a musician whose mind is as broad as he is spiritual.