Lisa Ono

Lisa Ono is among the best Japan interpreters of modern bossa nova. A vocalist, violonista (classical guitar participant), and songwriter, she’s got her albums released internationally. Up to now, she has documented 12 albums (Catupiry, 1989; Nanã, 1990; Menina, 1991; Serenata Carioca, 1992; Namorada, 1993; Esperança, 1994; Minha Saudade, 1995; Rio Bossa, 1996; Essência, 1997; Bossa Carioca, 1998; Fantasy, 1999; and Pretty Globe, 2000) with unique appearances by best performers like Tom Jobim, Sivuca, Paulo Moura, Danilo Caymmi, and Toots Thielemans. Having resided in Brazil until she was ten, she got benefit of her father’s contacts — he was a nightclub owner in the town of São Paulo and was Baden Powell’s supervisor. Moving back again to Japan, he opened up the Saci Pererê nightclub, where Lisa Ono started to perform the Brazilian repertory, specifically samba and bossa nova. She also founded the label Nanã, which promotes Brazilian music in Japan.