Lisa Ono is the definitive proof that Bossa Nova is a universal language. Born in São Paulo and living in Japan since the age of ten, Lisa grew up breathing Brazilian music through the music club her father managed in Tokyo. This cultural duality allowed her to become the primary force behind transforming the Brazilian rhythm into a cult phenomenon and, later, a mainstream success across the Asian continent.
With a soft, crystalline voice and a guitar style that faithfully follows the school of João Gilberto, Lisa Ono does more than just interpret the classics of Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes; she also composes original material that strictly adheres to the genre’s aesthetics. Her discography, spanning over 30 albums, is a journey of exploration—she has merged Bossa Nova with elements of French jazz, Italian music, and even traditional Chinese songs, always maintaining the lightness and characteristic sophistication that defines the style.
Throughout her career, Lisa has had the privilege of collaborating with masters such as Tom Jobim, João Donato, and Paulo Moura, validating her role as a legitimate heir and promoter of Brazilian music. For the listeners of Jazz Latitude, Lisa Ono is the perfect example of how the elegance of Bossa Nova can cross oceans and remain intact, serving as a cultural bridge between Brazil and Japan.