#Jazz pianist attacked by teens in subway station and unable to perform

A celebrated jazz pianist has been left unable to perform after a group of teens attacked him in a Harlem subway station, police said.

Tadataka Unno, 40, was badly beaten by eight teenagers who were blocking the turnstile at the West 125th St subway station of the B and C lines in Harlem back on Sept. 27 at around 7:20 p.m., according to police.

The teens are still being sought nearly two weeks later.

As Unno attempted to walk around the group, one of the girls in the group pushed him from behind and accused him of bumping into her.

“My girl is pregnant!” her boyfriend shouted at the musician, before socking him in the face with a closed fist multiple times, even as he fell to the ground, cops said.

Unno suffered a broken collarbone and bruising on his head and arm.

He was transported to Harlem Hospital in stable condition, police said.

His collarbone injury — suffered just blocks from his address — has robbed him of his piano-playing ability four months after he and his wife, Sayaka, had a baby together, according to his friend and fellow musician Jerome Jennings.

Jennings organized a GoFundMe on behalf of “Tada,” as he is known, and his family.

The page has raised more than $100,000 in six days — far surpassing the $25,000 goal.

The money raised will go toward medical bills and other daily expenses. The site is no longer seeking contributions.

“Tadataka Unno is a husband, good friend, father, and one of the brightest lights in jazz piano,” Jennings wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“He as performed in the working bands of Jimmy Cobb, Roy Hargrove, Winard Harper, John Pizzarelli, Clifton Anderson and many other greats.”

Unno was scheduled to undergo surgery on his shoulder Friday, according to Jennings.

The attack as inspired an outpouring of love and support from musicians across the world.

“I was shocked last night to hear of this attack & terrible tragedy. Hoping you heal quickly & your arms & hands are back to playing & sharing your extraordinary gift on the piano real soon,” wrote singer Tony Middleton.

“We love you & pray for a speedy recovery.”

Saxophonist Marshall McDonald said he and his wife, Rie Samejima-McDonald, were “Deeply saddened and upset” by the assault.

“We’ve enjoyed performing together, laughing together and spending time together in the USA and in Japan … May God help the surgeons heal Tadataka’s hand so he can play again,” he wrote.

Others who donated recalled catching his masterful performances alongside jazz greats or expressed gratitude for touching other musicians through his work.

“Your music brings people together and is an inspiration,” wrote one contributor from Canada, Mohsin Waqar.

“I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this tragedy. I am sending thoughts and prayers.”

Unno has performed at legendary jazz clubs around the city and the world, including the Village Vanguard, Dizzy’s Club, and Blue Note, according to his website.

“Thank you everyone for your prayers, love and tremendous support for Tadataka and Family,” read a message on his site.