Wataru Hamasaki

Wataru Hamasaki

Wataru Hamasaki is recognized as a one of most acclaimed saxophonist among in Japan. He also famous for a flutist. His music is known for its imaginative and sophistication, and tradition. He spend years in Seattle to study music with multi horn player/Jay Thomas. Wataru is a medical doctor who graduate from medical school inJapan and he has been practice not a medicine but a saxophone.After he graduate from university, he won the first prize Selmer Saxophone Competition in Japan and the made him very famous in Japanese jazz scene. He released a leader album "Accidentaly Yours" with Jay Thomas and Geoff Keezer Trio. This album was highly rated by JAZZTIMES. As a leader, Wataru has released 9 album.He has been played with pianist/Phillip Strange and drummer/Larry Marshall continuously in Japan for years. Wataru has released "A DAY OUT " and "Conversation" with Phillip Strange. Wataru has led a group called "Enconter" which is co-leader with Hori Hideaki and released 4album . Wataru's recent album is"Duke Ellington Song Book" with a pianist/Mayuko Katakura who is graduated from Juliard jazz school. Wataru has been playing WOODSTONE(ISHIMORI) tenor saxophone exclusively. He has been played with, Jay Thomas, Geoff Keezer, Jon Wikan,John Hansen,Frank Wess,Gary Smyulian, Clarence Acox,Buddy Catlet, Gene Jackson, Junko Onishi,Masahiko Osaka,Tiger Ookoshi,and many more.