TOMOKO OHNO

Welcome !

Tomoko Ohno pianist

大野智子

Tomoko Ohno, born in Tokyo, began piano studies at the age of 4. As a teenager, she began playing professionally in the Tokyo area jazz scene.

After graduating from Rikkyo University in Law and Politics, Miss Ohno moved to the United States and entered the Jazz Studies Program at William Paterson University in New Jersey, where she studied with Harold Mabern and Rufus Reid. During this time she had the opportunity to perform with such artists as Jerome Richardson, Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson and Joe Henderson. A recipient of the Student Award of Outstanding Performance and a member of Dean’s List, Miss Ohno graduated with a B.A. in Jazz Studies.

She has performed at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital, Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Birdland , in addition to appearing on live radio broadcasts by WBGO and WNYC, and ABC TV's Good Morning America. She has performed and/or recorded with Slide Hampton, Claudio Roditi, James Spaulding,Houston Person, James Spaulding,Rufus Reid, Scott Robinson,The John Lee Quartet, The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band and Sherrie Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra, Diva Five Play, Jay Leonhart trio, Jay 7, as well as working as a side musician with such diverse musical ensembles as the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble and The Spirit of Life Ensemble.

Miss Ohno also leads her own group, and has released three CDs on the Japan-based Tokuma label. In 1997 her first album, “Powder Blue” was released, and in 1999 her second album, “Affirmation” was released, followed in 2000 by the album "Natural Woman." Her album "Shadows of Spring" (recorded in Argentina) was released by MDR Records in 2005. "Tomoko Ohno in Buenos Aires" was also released by MDR Records in 2007. The duet album with legendary Argentine guitarist Ricardo Lew " From Tokio to Buenos Aires " was released in 2011 spring. The duo added the cellist Nestor Tedesco from Teatro Colon and releasedTango/Jazz album " Tres Sabores " in 2016.

Miss Ohno and bassist Jay Leonhart released their duo album " Don't You Wish !" in 2018 and Jay Leonhart Trio released their first trio album “Joy” from Sunnyside Record in 2019 with Vito Lesczak on drums.

She is also a member of Trilateral Project with Brazilian drummer Samuel Martinelli and Bassist Marcus McLaurine. Their first album with special guest Russell Malone, “ Synchronicities” was released in 2023.

Ms. Ohno was also part of the legendary bassist Bill Crow's Octet at Jazz at Lincoln Center Let Freedom Swing program in 2023.

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