Suzuki Hisatsugu (鈴木央紹) was a Japanese Jazz saxophonist. In 2009, he released his major debut album Passage Of Day produced by Yuji Ohno through the label VAP.
In addition to his own band (Suzuki Hisatsugu Quartet (鈴木央紹カルテット) & Suzuki Hisatsugu Trio (鈴木央紹トリオ)), he was also a member of Yuji Ohno & Lupintic Six, led by famous pianist Yuji Ohno who composed music for Lupin III, and was active across a wide range of genres, from recording to supporting J-POP.[1] He was also part of TrioSamadhi, Toki Hidefumi Band, Hara Dairiki Group, Hara Tomonao Group, Yuki Arimasa Band, and TOKU Group.
He passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 52. Three days before his passing, on December 25, 2024, he participated in a session at Koiwa Cochi in Tokyo. According to a message from his family, he had been undergoing treatment, and his funeral had been held on January 5, 2025 with only family members. Additionally, a farewell party would be planned for a later date.[1]
Profile[]
- Suzuki was influenced by his father, a saxophonist, and started playing piano and composing at the age of 4, and saxophone at the age of 10.[1]
- He started to study jazz on his own, and began performing at the age of 16.
- At the age of 17, he won the Grand Prix in the Instrumental category of the AXIA Award at the "AXIA MUSIC AUDITION".
- Since graduating from the Osaka College of Music, Faculty of Music, Department of Instrumental Music, Saxophone major, he has added color to various works with his saxophone, as well as supporting artists such as ZARD and Kondo Fusanosuke, and participating in numerous sessions, concerts, commercials and drama soundtracks.[1]
- While studying classical music under Maeda Masahiro, he also performed in classical and jazz music while still a student.
- He has collaborated with many overseas musicians, including Ron Carter, Lewis Nash, Benny Green, Lonnie Plaxico, Rodney Green, Conrad Herwig, Salena Jones, Kenny Washington, Peter Washington, and many others.
- He has also received high acclaim for his CD producing work and song arrangements, winning the Studio Association Recording Award and the Gold Disc Award.
- He was an endorser of D'Addario Woodwinds and a specially appointed associate professor of Jazz Saxophone at Osaka College of Music.
Discography[]
Albums[]
- [2009.02.25] Passage Of Day
- [2014.12.03] Standards++ (Suzuki Hisatsugu Quartet)
- [2019.05.22] Favourites (Suzuki Hisatsugu Trio)
- [2023.07.26] Stars & Smiles, Vol. 1 (Players) (Suzuki Hisatsugu Trio)
- [2023.10.25] Stars & Smiles, Vol.2 (Songs) (Suzuki Hisatsugu Trio)
Live Albums[]
- [2021.01.27] Suzuki Hisatsugu Live from Yokohama
Discography Featured In[]
TrioSamadhi[]
Albums[]
- TrioSamadhi