Sadao Watanabe

Sadao Watanabe, born in Utsunomiya, Japan, is a renowned jazz saxophonist known for his bop-influenced style and love of Brazilian bossa nova. He gained fame with "Bossa Nova Concert" and "Sadao Meets Brazilian Friends." Over the years, Watanabe explored funk, fusion, and crossover pop, collaborating with artists like Chico Hamilton and pianist Gerald Clayton. He later focused on acoustic post-bop and Brazilian jazz, working with Dave Grusin, Robben Ford, and others. His live album "Encore!" was recorded at Tokyo's Bunkamura Orchard Hall.