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Makoto Ozone 小曽根真 was born on March 25, 1961 in Kobe, Japan. He began playing organ at two and by seven was an improviser. He appeared on Japanese television with his father from 1968 to 1970. Impressed with the playing of Oscar Peterson, at twelve he switched to piano. In 1980 he entered the Berklee College of Music.

Makoto later worked with vibraphonist Gary Burton, recording four albums with him. In 1983 he recorded as a leader his debut in 1983 before returning to his native Japan.

Ozone has collaborated with vocalist Kimiko Itoh, appearing as a duo at the Montreux Jazz Festival and produced her album Kimiko, winning the 2000 Swing Journal jazz disk grand prix for Japanese vocalist. He has recorded with Ellis Marsalis, Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Randy Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Anna Maria Jopek, Jake Shimabukuro, Misuzu Kanno and Gayle Moran Corea, among others.

He has several recordings as a trio leader or co-leader with Burton that are now coveted imports. Pianist Makoto Ozone continues to perform, record and tour.

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