Makoto Ozone | Essential albums and listening guide

Meet the artist

A Kobe-born pianist with powerful swing and a broad harmonic vocabulary. His work spans solo piano, trios, big bands and collaborations with classical musicians. A clear touch and buoyant pulse support a bright melodic voice.

Dense chords give way to quietly placed phrases. In trio settings, quick responses turn improvisation into conversation. Work with larger ensembles and classical repertoire broadens his attention to structure and resonance. Beyond the technical brilliance, the playing communicates the basic pleasures of singing, listening and enjoying an ensemble.