Sadao Watanabe
Sadao Watanabe is a distinguished Japanese jazz musician, widely recognized for his contributions as an alto saxophonist and sopranino saxophonist. He was born on February 1, 1933, in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Watanabe's musical journey began at the age of 18, after which he started performing professionally in 1953, quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene.
Watanabe’s early musical education was largely self-directed. He initially began playing the clarinet in his teenage years before transitioning to the alto saxophone. His first professional engagements involved playing dance music for American occupation forces in Japan following World War II, which helped him gain exposure and experience in the performing arts.
In pursuit of further musical development, Watanabe moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school and later relocated to Boston in 1962 to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. His time in Boston contributed significantly to his musical growth, allowing him to absorb diverse musical styles and techniques that would influence his career.
Throughout his career, Watanabe has been a major influence in the jazz genre, particularly in Japan, and has achieved recognition both domestically and internationally. His ability to blend traditional Japanese music elements with jazz has distinguished his sound and earned him a respected position among jazz musicians worldwide.
As of now, Sadao Watanabe remains an active and influential figure in jazz, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians through his innovative approach to music. Information is missing on specific albums or notable collaborations that further illustrate his contributions to jazz music.
Rendezvous
A2 Fire Fly 5:43
A3 If I'm Still Around Tomorrow 4:20
A4 Cool Breeze 4:43
B1 Here's To Love 4:37
B2 Maraval 4:30
B3 Love Me As I Am 4:57
B4 I'm Yours 4:44
Written by Ralph MacDonald (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B2), Sadao Watanabe (tracks: A4, B3, B4), William Eaton (tracks: A2), William Salter (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B2)
Label: WEA – 250 804-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK & Europe
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Contemporary Jazz-Funk, Smooth Jazz
Sadao Watanabe's Rendezvous, released in 1984, is a smooth, crossover jazz album blending saxophone with R&B and pop, featuring top session musicians like Steve Gadd & Marcus Miller, and notable vocalists like Roberta Flack, offering a polished, commercially appealing sound with catchy, often nostalgic tunes ideal for easy listening or background music, showcasing Watanabe's accessible sax work.
Sadao Watanabe's saxophone leads, supported by prominent American session players on bass (Marcus Miller), drums (Steve Gadd), and keyboards (Richard Tee), with guest vocals from Roberta Flack on key tracks like "If I'm Still Around Tomorrow" and "Here's to Love".
Produced by Ralph MacDonald, it was recorded in New York in 1984, aiming for a broadly appealing, polished, high-fidelity, melodic sound, with a strong 80s feel, often described as having "80s sitcom theme vibes".
Rendezvous is celebrated as a fun, smooth, and highly listenable album, bridging traditional jazz with contemporary pop sensibilities for a wide audience, making it a popular choice for vinyl collectors seeking nostalgic, clean-sounding instrumental jazz.