CONTRAVOICES

CONTRAVOICES — Duo Live at Toi-Own

Open 18:00 / Start 19:00 (2 sets)

What to Expect

CONTRAVOICES brings together a jazz vocalist and a bassist/vocalist for an immersive duo performance. Expect a blend of spontaneous improvisation and carefully arranged repertoire, delivered with minimal instrumentation to highlight every nuance. This is the first performance of this lineup at Toi-Own — a perfect opportunity to experience a unique musical conversation in an intimate live-house setting.

Artists

Sanae Ishikawa (vocal)
Sanae Ishikawa is a celebrated jazz vocalist who debuted in 2007 with the album Feel Like Makin’ Love. Her debut was met with acclaim: critics called her “a shining new star,” praising her natural musical intuition and expressive voice. jazzbar-coltrane.com+1
Since then, she has maintained a busy live schedule, performing across Tokyo and beyond, and has earned recognition in jazz vocal contests. jazzbar-coltrane.com+1
Her voice combines warmth and sophistication, capable of carrying both straight jazz standards and emotionally rich, jazz-inflected interpretations of popular songs.

Yoshimasa Otsuka (bass / vocal)
Yoshimasa Otsuka is an experienced double bass player active in Tokyo’s jazz scene. He began playing bass in his youth and developed his skills while participating in his university’s big band and combo jazz circles. jazzbar-coltrane.com+1
Otsuka is known for his deep groove, strong time feel, and ability to support both vocalists and ensembles with a versatile sense of rhythm. He also provides backing vocals, adding another layer of musical texture to the duo. ジャズベーシスト大塚義将のブログ+1

Together, Ishikawa and Otsuka form CONTRAVOICES, a duo that explores jazz standards, soulful ballads, and varied genres — connecting voice and bass in a richly expressive dialogue.

Why You Should Attend

• Experience a rare vocal-bass duo performance in a cozy, intimate live-house

• Hear a seasoned jazz vocalist reinterpret standards with emotional depth

• Enjoy the synergy of bass-driven rhythm and vocal improvisation in a minimal setup

• A perfect chance to appreciate subtle musical interplay up close

Whether you are a jazz aficionado or simply love soulful live music, this duo performance promises a memorable night.