Yumi Ito is recognized by critics as one of the most original and exciting voices in contemporary jazz. Based in Basel, Switzerland, the award-winning artist performs regularly around the world and has shared the stage with Al Jarreau, Becca Stevens, and Mark Turner.

Her fifth album, Ysla (enja, 2023), weaves personal stories, impressive improvisations, and a unique voice — like an island: proud, stoic, and strong amid the ocean of Art-Pop, Jazz, and Neoclassicism. Yumi Ito performs solo or with her international band, which includes guitarist Alessio Cazzetta, double bassist Nadav Erlich, and drummer Iago Fernández.

Always in focus: the creation of musical worlds in the spirit of boundlessness. Yumi Ito tours internationally, with milestones including the Blue Note Jazz Festival (US), Montreux Jazz Festival (CH), European Showcase jazzahead! 2024, Jazzmandu Festival (NP), Vejer Jazz Festival (ES), Schaffhauser Jazz Festival (CH), Jazzfest Trondheim (NO), Cairo Jazz Festival (EG), and Jazz Festival Basel «offbeat» (CH), among many others.

Recent appearances have included sold-out shows at the JazzArt Festival at NOSPR in Katowice (Poland), Veneto Jazz Festival at the legendary La Fenice in Venice (Italy), Akbank Jazz Festival in Istanbul (Turkey), Euro-Venezuelan Jazzfestival (Venezuela), and ZOA Festival in Ardagger Stift (Austria).

A prize winner of the Montreux Jazz Competition, Yumi Ito was selected for the Focus Year Program under Wolfgang Muthspiel at the Jazzcampus Basel (2017–2018), received the High Priority Jazz Grant from Pro Helvetia (2022–2024), and was unanimously chosen by the jury for the European Showcase at Jazzahead! in Bremen (2024).

A new solo album, is set for release in September 2025, followed by her next band album in 2026!