Table of Contents
Come join us now, and enjoy playing your beloved music and browse through great scores of every level and styles!
Can’t find the songbook you’re looking for? Please, email us at: sheetmusiclibrarypdf@gmail.com We’d like to help you!
Spain (Chick Corea) – Makoto Ozone (solo piano transcription, sheet music)
Who is Makoto Ozone (大隅 慎子)?
Makoto Ozone (大隅 慎子, Ōsumi Makoto, born March 25, 1961, in Kobe, Japan) is a world-renowned Japanese jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, celebrated for his virtuosic technique, boundless energy, and genre-blending creativity.
Best Sheet Music download from our Library.
Here are the key aspects of his life and career:
- Child Prodigy: He began playing the organ at age 2 and piano at age 7, showing exceptional talent very early. He was deeply influenced by Oscar Peterson.
- Classical & Jazz Training: Studied classical piano rigorously at the Osaka College of Music but simultaneously developed his passion for jazz. He became a protégé of the legendary Japanese jazz pianist Yosuke Yamashita.
- International Breakthrough (1980): At just 19 years old, his life changed dramatically when vibraphonist Gary Burton heard him play at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival. Burton was so impressed he immediately invited Ozone to join his band and attend Berklee College of Music in Boston.
- Berklee & Global Career: Ozone moved to the US, studied at Berklee (where he later became a professor), and quickly established himself on the international jazz scene through his work with Burton and his own groups.
- Musical Style: Known for:
- Breathtaking Technique: Incredible speed, precision, and power at the keyboard.
- Eclectic Influences: Seamlessly blends jazz (especially bebop and post-bop), classical music, Brazilian rhythms (like bossa nova and samba), pop, and Japanese musical sensibilities.
- Dynamic Performances: His live shows are legendary for their intensity, joy, and audience engagement.
- Strong Melodic Sense: Even in complex improvisations, a strong melodic line is often present.
- Versatility: Equally adept at high-energy swing, delicate ballads, intricate classical-jazz fusions, and Brazilian grooves.
- Key Collaborations:
- Gary Burton: A decades-long musical partnership resulting in numerous acclaimed albums (like “Virtuosi,” “Times Like These,” “Libertango: Music of Astor Piazzolla”).
- His Own Trios: Leading his own piano trios, often featuring top bassists and drummers, recording many albums under his own name (e.g., “Now You Know,” “Jungle,” “Jungle Jungle”).
- No Name Horses: A collaborative group with singer Kimiko Itoh and drummer/percussionist Akira Jimbo.
- Orchestras: Has composed for and performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic, and NHK Symphony Orchestra.
- Composer & Arranger: Has written extensively, not only jazz pieces but also large-scale orchestral works, film scores, and arrangements blending genres.
- Awards & Recognition:
- Won the Jazz Journalists Association Award for “Best Pianist – Keys” in 2004.
- Multiple Grammy Award nominations for his collaborations with Gary Burton.
- Received numerous awards in Japan, including the prestigious Fumio Nanri Award and the Jazz Japan Award.
- Continues to be a major draw at jazz festivals worldwide.
- Educator: Served as a professor at Berklee College of Music for many years, influencing countless younger musicians.
In essence, Makoto Ozone is a piano phenomenon. He is a master improviser with a unique voice that bridges continents and musical traditions. His technical prowess is matched by his deep musicality and infectious enthusiasm, making him one of the most exciting and respected pianists in contemporary jazz. He remains highly active, performing, recording, and composing globally.
Please, subscribe to our Library.
If you are already a subscriber, please, check our NEW SCORES’ page every month for new sheet music. THANK YOU!