It was a life-changing experience, hearing that one record. Sumito Ariyoshi, better known as Ariyo, had been studying classical piano since since he was three years old. At the age of sixteen, a friend brought him an album, asking if Ariyo could play this kind of music on the piano. “He had an Elmore James record. You know how different classical music and the blues gets. Blues piano players are more flexible, more free. There is more attacking, especially when playing with a band.”

Over the last fifteen years, Ariyo has been committed to playing with Branch. When there are breaks in Branch’s schedule, and with the leader’s blessing, the piano player has been able to explore other interests as a solo artist in addition to fronting his own band. He has done several solo tours in Brazil, Spain, and, of course. Japan. Ariyo has been featured as a soloist at the 2003 and 2007 Chicago Blues Festivals with an appearance at the Chicago Jazz fest in between.