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Karuna Shinsho

Born in Hawaii to Japanese parents, Karuna grew up surrounded by music. Her father, a classical music singer and DJ, regularly took her to concerts as a child. When she moved to Japan, Karuna fell in love with jazz after she saw the late Nancy Wilson sing at a club in Tokyo. She was blown away by the heart-wrenching interpretation of the master vocalist's signature song "Guess Who I Saw Today". Karuna also became obsessed with bossa nova after hearing the music of João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Prior to Karuna's journey as a musical artist and lyricist, she was a recognized face in broadcast journalism, first on Japan's NHK Television, then later on other international networks, inlcuding Asia Business News, CNN International, and Australian Broadcasting Corporation. For fifteen years Karuna was seen by millions of viewers around the world and highly commended at the Asian Television Awards as Best News Presenter.

After leaving journalistm and during a challenging period in her life, Karuna turned to singing as a source of comfort. At this time, she also met her mentor Nanny Assis who, upon seeing her passion for music, agreed to produce her debut album of bossa nova classics and jazz standards in three languages- English, Portuguese, and Japanese.

Karuna's first album, "To Love Again", was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the 2022 WAMMIE Awards in Washington, D.C. The album isn't just about romantic love, but also reflects the human need for self-love and compassion for others. Karuna hopes that her music will help lift spirits and bring joy to her listeners, especially during difficult times.

Awards

2022 WAMMIE Award for Best Jazz Album (nominee)

Japanese American Karuna Shinsho Releases 'To Love Again' August 25th - Samba From Japan!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations
August 6, 2021

Japanese American singer Karuna Shinsho, known for her smooth and soothing vocal interpretations of jazz standards and bossa nova songs, releases her new, full album To Love Again on August 25th! Exposed to classical music as a child in Hawaii, Shinsho later fell in love with jazz in Japan after seeing the late Nancy Wilson’s show. She also became obssessed with bossa nova after hearing the music of João Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Shinsho started her career as an ...
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Recording

Karuna Shinsho Releases New Single 'Pato' - Bossa Nova From Japan

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations
May 25, 2021

Japanese American singer Karuna Shinsho, known for her smooth and soothing vocal interpretations of jazz standards and bossa nova songs, released her second single “O Pato” across major streaming platforms on May 15th, 2021. She released her first single “Smile" in collaboration with jazz singer Dani Assis on November 16, 2020. After seeing the late Nancy Wilson sing in Tokyo in her youth, jazz has been a constant companion throughout Shinsho’s life. She started her career as an award-winning international ...
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"A delightful jazz vocal album with a strong Brazilian accent underpinned by some real jazzbos that have better things to do than just hang aound. Specializing in making old things new, there's plenty here that's familiar but everyone adds their special sauce and it's all new now. Tasty stuff for the traditionalist looking for something new." (Review by Midwest Records)

"A delightful new singer, Karuna Shinsho is a cool breeze on a sweltering day. She refreshes Brazilian and American evergreens, making them sound new again. Água de Beber is marvelous. I have it on repeat." (John Hasse, Curator Emeritus of American Music at the Smithsonian/Duke Ellington biogapher)