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Shunzo Ohno

Shunzo Ohno has reached exhilarating heights, experienced unexpected lows and overcoming unbelievable odds, risen again to surpass even his own successes. Born in Gifu, Japan, Shunzo began his musical training at age 13 on the trombone - the only instrument available in his school. He didn't begin playing the trumpet until age 17, partly inspired by the film "Boy with Trumpet." By age 19, Shunzo was the leading jazz trumpeter in Japan.

Already working as an accomplished composer and arranger in Japan, Shunzo's career hit high gear when he met the renowned bandleader Art Blakey. He toured with Blakey throughout the United States and settled in New York City in 1974 at Blakey's suggestion. During this period, Shunzo maintained a close friendship and working relationship with the bandleader while also working with Norman Connors, Roy Haynes and the Hip Ensemble while leading his own group. His original composition "Bubbles" was featured on Connor's million- selling recording, "You Are My Starship", and became a hit single, attaining gold status. Today, audiences continue to request this favorite tune, "Bubbles".

The compelling Latin energy in Shunzo's playing can be linked to his tenure with the celebrated Machito and his Afro-Cuban Orchestra, with whom he toured Europe and South America. During his three-and-a-half years with Machito, Shunzo recorded the Grammy Award-winning recording Machito and His Salsa Big Band (1983), which featured his dazzling solos.

Following his years with Machito's band, Shunzo joined one of his most influential inspirations, master arranger and composer Gil Evans, becoming a key contributor on tours, club dates, and recordings, including the 1988 Grammy Award-winning "Live at Sweet Basil's". Shunzo made a total of four recordings with Evans, who remained a lifelong mentor to him.

Returning to Japan with Super Sounds, a group that included jazz legends Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Larry Coryell broadened his experience. He performed with Super Sounds for two years, conducting separate tours with his own group and giving numerous sold-out performances. Later, in addition to recording with his mentors Shorter and Hancock, Shunzo joined Buster Williams' group, notably, appearing at the 1st International Jazz Festival in Moscow and continued to tour with his own band.

In between these impressive collaborations and projects, Shunzo also guested on recordings by David Byrne (Rei Momo), David Matthews (Digital Love) and Onaje Allan Gumbs (Dare to Dream).

In 1988, he was involved in a serious automobile accident, in which his teeth and lips were permanently damaged. Undeterred by the painful and long recovery process, Shunzo strengthened his resolve to find a new approach to his music and continue playing.

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Album Review

Shunzo Ohno: ReNew

Read "ReNew" reviewed by Tyran Grillo


ReNew marks the 16th leader date for Japanese trumpeter Shunzo Ohno, whose evolving proficiency and clarity of tone are matched by an emotional undercurrent all his own. Built around the theme of recovery in the wake of recent natural disasters, among them the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, this album fuses Ohno's diverse influences into one melodious canvas, across which no single brushstroke is wasted. Each track sharpens a personal edge, with themes ranging from friendship and unity ...

4
Album Review

Shunzo Ohno: ReNew

Read "ReNew" reviewed by James Nadal


Though the samurai warriors of Japan have passed on to legend and folklore, their Bushido Code of Conduct continues to have an impact of Japanese society. It emphasizes eight virtues, utmost which are honor, discipline and morality. As a son of Japan, trumpeter Shunzo Ohno, has personally adhered to these guiding principles, and ReNew reveals a profound sense of purpose, accented by total mastery of his instrument in service to a higher calling. Dedicated to the ongoing recovery ...

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Event

Shunzo Ohno, International Award Winning Jazz Trumpeter, Documentary Film To Be Released

Shunzo Ohno, International Award Winning Jazz Trumpeter, Documentary Film To Be Released

Source: Sura Spiegel

Shunzo Ohno, tirelessly has been in the front lines with recovery efforts for the Kobe earthquake and Tohoku Tsunami disasters. Mr. Ohno has always been a champion of collaborative cultural projects. An example is his work with the Howard University Jazz Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, and writing music as well as performing on the documentary with the Childrens Rights Organization. He was invited by the jazz master Art Blakey in the 1970’s to play in New York and went ...

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Award / Grant

Shunzo Ohno, Trumpeter Wins Grand Prize: International Songwriting Competition

Shunzo Ohno, Trumpeter Wins Grand Prize: International Songwriting Competition

Source: Sura Spiegel

First time in the history of the International Songwriting Competitions Jazz Artist wins Grand Prize Shunzo Ohno Is Awarded Overall Grand Prize With The Song “Musashi” ISC’s highest distinction, the overall Grand Prize, is awarded to trumpeter Shunzo Ohno for his song “Musashi,” entered in the Jazz category. This is the first time in the history of ISC that the Grand Prize has been awarded to a an artist from Japan. It is also the first time that the prize ...

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Award / Grant

International Songwriting Competition Awards Grand Prize to Jazz Trumpeter Shunzo Ohno

International Songwriting Competition Awards Grand Prize to Jazz Trumpeter Shunzo Ohno

Source: HypeBot

The International Songwriting Competition has awarded its 2014 Grand Prize to jazz trumpeter Shunzo Ohno. Ohno has been described as modest and seemingly shy, and he has overcome health challenges in his life that would have potentially ended any musician's career. Surviving both a serious car accident in which his teeth and lips were permanently damaged and a later bout of throat cancer which forced him to relearn his playing, with his efforts inspiring a biography and documentary in Japan ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

ReNew

Pulsebeats Records
2016

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Home

Self Produced
2005

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Antares

Projazz
1980

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Quarter Moon

Projazz
1979

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Bubbles

Projazz
1976

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