A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

Sadao Watanabe

Sadao Watanabe (渡辺 貞夫, Watanabe Sadao?) (born Utsunomiya, Japan, February 1, 1933) is an influential Japanese jazz musician who plays the alto saxophone, sopranino saxophone and flute. He is known for his Bossa Nova recordings, although his work encompasses a large range of styles with collaborations from musicians all over the world. Sadao first began learning music at the age of 18, and started performing professionally in 1953. By 1958 he had firmly established himself as a world-class saxophonist having performed with leading musicians and quartets. In 1962 he left Japan to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 1995 the college awarded him an honorary doctorate degree for his contributions to music. Among his more prestigious awards are the Orde… more »