Saori Yano is a dynamic Japanese alto saxophonist and jazz musician whose passion for jazz blossomed at a young age, leading her to make waves in the music scene with her captivating sound and innovative style. With a career marked by collaborations with jazz legends and a rich discography, Yano continues to push boundaries while honoring the genre's traditions.
Saori Yano is a Japanese alto saxophonist and jazz musician born on October 27, 1986, in Tokyo, Japan. She began playing the alto saxophone at the age of 9, joining her school band initially intending to play the flute, but ended up with the saxophone after losing a game of rock-paper-scissors. Yano discovered her love for jazz at 11 through Charlie Parker's music, and began to learn it on her own.
Yano's musical journey was significantly influenced by a biography of Billie Holiday, which she read at 14, inspiring her to engage with the local jazz scene. She then began to promote herself to jazz clubs in Tokyo, eventually landing her first gig at Cafe Clair in Nishiarai. By 15, her talent caught the attention of a record producer, leading to her debut album "YANO SAORI" with Savoy jazz label at 16, marking her as a remarkable young talent in the Japanese jazz landscape.
Throughout her career, Saori Yano has collaborated with many acclaimed musicians and released several albums that highlight her bebop and jazz roots. Notable collaborations include:
Some of her prominent albums include:
Saori Yano's style is heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, reflecting a deep respect for jazz traditions through her sound and intonation. Her technical skill and ability to integrate traditional and contemporary elements have earned her critical acclaim. Some of her popular renditions include "The Days of Wine and Roses," "All of Me," and her original "Suna to Sukato."
Beyond jazz, her work has graced media like TV-Asahi's program “Hodo Station” and commercials, with accolades including the "THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD Jazz album of the year 2008."
In recent years, Yano has expanded her musical horizons, incorporating funky jazz and Latin elements into her work, as seen in her 2015 album "Bubble Bubble Bebop." Moreover, her involvement with the group House of Jaxx showcases her versatility and continuous growth as an artist. Her contributions to both the Japanese and global jazz scenes remain as vibrant and innovative as ever.
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