Jazz piano is a unique style not only technically and soulfully superb, but also spontaneously rhythmic music infused with passion and emotion.

On Friday night, famed Japanese jazz pianist Makoto Ozone will stage a solo concert at Shanghai Times Square where he will perform both classical music written by Gershwin, Bernstein, Beethoven and Mozart and modern pieces.

Influenced by his father, a jazz pianist and organist, 47-year-old Ozone first appeared on television at the age of six and performed regularly on Osaka television from the age of seven.

In 1976, a 15-year-old Ozone made his jazz pianist debut at the "Wide Wide Jazz" festival held in Kobe, Japan. He then moved to the United States where he studied jazz composition and arrangement at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Soon after he performed a solo recital at New York City's famed Carnegie Hall and it was not long before Ozone signed an exclusivity contract with CBS records, making his international debut in 1984 with the album "Ozone."

Ozone has gone on to release about 20 albums and in 2003 was nominated for a Grammy Award with his collaborative album "Virtuosi" with US jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton.

In recent years Ozone has spent extensive time focusing on classical music. Although deeply committed to performing, Ozone's interests reach beyond the borders of music and shines in a wide range of fields. He also hosts a popular FM radio program "Oz Meets Jazz" and makes regular television appearances.

"Jazz is becoming more and more popular in today's China," says Cathy Hau, deputy general manager of Shanghai Times Square. "We're dedicated to bringing great jazz to the masses on an open stage to enrich the modern contemporary life of locals."

On Friday week, Shanghai Times Square will host a concert featuring Italian guitarist and singer Fabio Alfieri.

Date: November 21, 7pm

Venue: 2/F, 99 Huaihai Rd M.

Tel: 6391-0691

(Shanghai Daily November 20, 2008)