Isao Suzuki

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Suzuki learned to play bass on United States military bases, and played early in his career with Shotaro Moriyasu, Hidehiko Matsumoto, and Sadao Watanabe.

He moved to New York City from 1969 to 1971, playing with Ron Carter, Paul Desmond, Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Hall, Wynton Kelly, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Bobby Timmons.

Returning to Japan, he played with Kenny Burrell and Mal Waldron in addition to his own ensembles.

Later in the 1970s, he began expanding his instrumental repertoire, playing cello and piccolo bass.

[1] He died from COVID-19 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, on 8 March 2022, at the age of 89, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.