AllMovie

In this hour-long documentary, filmmaker Renee Cho presents a look at the legendary musical artist Toshiko Akiyoshi. Jazz Is My Native Language follows the pianist and composer through her long journey to success. She was born in Manchuria and quickly showed promise as a musician. Her talent brought her to the attention of fellow jazz artists who fostered her skill in the United States. There, she carved a nitch for herself as a performer and leader playing with the likes of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington. Cho's film details the life of a much-accomplished and respected heroine of the jazz world.