Makoto Ozone Transcriptions

Biography of Makoto Ozone

Makoto Ozone is a pianist who has led a remarkable dual career as both a jazz virtuoso and a acclaimed classical soloist, seamlessly blending these worlds throughout his prolific career . A child prodigy who began improvising on organ at seven, he was mentored by vibraphone legend Gary Burton after graduating from Berklee College of Music, and in 1983 became the first Japanese artist signed exclusively to CBS Records following his triumphant solo debut at Carnegie Hall. His extensive discography includes over 30 albums as a leader, ranging from Grammy-nominated jazz recordings and celebrated duets with Burton and Chick Corea to his acclaimed classical explorations of Chopin, Mozart, and Gershwin, performed with major orchestras worldwide. Ozone's profound impact on music has been recognized with Japan's prestigious Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, an honorary doctorate from Berklee, and numerous cultural awards, while his role as a composer, bandleader of the "No Name Horses" big band, and educator continues to inspire generations.