Isao Suzuki

Isao Suzuki (1933-2022) was a Japanese jazz double bassist, born in Tokyo, who learned his instrument playing on United States military bases. He worked in Japan with Sadao Watanabe and Hidehiko Matsumoto, spent time in New York around 1970 and later added cello and piccolo bass to his playing. He recorded a series of albums for the Three Blind Mice label, including Blow Up (1973). Isao Suzuki led his own ensemble in Tokyo and played with Hampton Hawes in 1968. After Art Blakey heard him in Japan, he moved to the United States and toured with the Jazz Messengers.