Shunzo Ohno

Award winning artist, Shunzo Ohno is a "brilliant trumpet stylist" whose playing and original compositions have touched millions of people. A versatile musician who has played, recorded and toured with such renowned leaders as Gil Evans, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Art Blakey, and many others. Mr. Ohno has 16 recordings under his own name as a leader and has appeared on over thirty more as a sideman.
His fascinating life, with his triumph over illness and adversity is the subject of a biography, "Trumpet of Hope" and a documentary, "Trumpet of Glory.” Fuji Television featured his story on the primetime show “Unbelievable."

Born in Gifu, Japan, Shunzo began his musical passion at age 13 in his local public school. By age 19, Shunzo was the leading jazz trumpeter in Japan. 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 Art Blakey‘s Jazz Messengers, throughout the United States and settled in New York City in 1974 at Blakey's suggestion.

The compelling Latin energy in Shunzo's playing can be linked to his tenure with the celebrated Machito and his Afro-Cuban Orchestra. He recorded the Grammy Award-winning album with Machito and His Salsa Big Band (1983), which featured his dazzling solos.

Shunzo then joined one of his most in?uential 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". 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.