Sadao Watanabe (alto saxophone, sopranino saxophone)

One of Japan's most famous Jazz Alto saxophonists and composers, he is known as NABESADA. His musical universe is made up of various global elements: the straightforward jazz, which is the base of his music, the Bossa Nava, a Brazilian music that he came across while studying in the United Stage, the mixture of music from different eras, and finally the African music he experienced during his travel to the continent in 1972. All these elements are important in the music of NABESADA. Not only is his performance magical, his presence is equally enthralling-in the way he holds his instruments in his hands, his gentle speech and smiles. All of his rich life experiences, coming in contact with so many people, music and cultures of the world, have contributed to the musician that he is and the way he presents himself to his audience.

Akira Onozuka (piano,keyboards)

Born on July 29, 1967. Began playing in the studios at age 18. Having participated in the tour of the popular Japanese group TUBE, since then recorded with many artists such as B’z and Maki Oguro. Besides his talents on the keyboards, has proven his artistry in arranging & performing since he has formed his own group “DIMENSION” in ’92. A key member of the Sadao Watanabe group since ’96, has performed with Sadao Watanabe in countless concerts, as well as in Sadao’s percussion & chorus workshops for children, studio recordings and private corporate events.

Jun Kajiwara (electric guitar)

Born on August 25, 1961.Began playing professionally at the age 19 while he was a music school student. In 1988, released the album “WITNESS” in which he collaborated with drummer Masaharu Ishikawa and Masato Honda, saxophonist of the group T-SQUARE. Having performed with many artists since then, recorded the album “SOURCE” with Masaharu Ishikawa , bassist Tomohito Aoki, saxophonist Osamu Koike. Their second album “SOURCE?” was then released in 2000. Has been a member of Sadao Watanabe group since ’89, and his sharp but melodious guitar contributes to the essence of the Group’s sounds. Currently leads his own group J&B which frequently gives live performance.

Koichi Osamu (electric bass)

Born on October 24 , 1960. After graduating college in Japan , studied abroad at the Berklee College of Music and performed with many talents such as Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, and Tommy Campbell. Recipient of the Berklee Eddie Gomez Award for two consecutive years, '85 & '86. After graduating Berklee's Composing & Arranging Course, continued on with pursuing his professional career, performing with such greats as Jimmy Smith, Makoto Ozone, Hidehiko Matsumoto among others.

Besides recording & performing with his own group B.B Groove, teaches bass at the Senzoku School of Music and others, and has released an instructive video on playing the jazz bass , which been highly acclaimed.

Masaharu Ishikawa (drums)