Jinshi Ozaki

Funk / R&B / Contemporary Jazz

Bio

Jinshi is a Los Angeles based guitarist who has been on the scene for the last 15 years. He specializes in jazz improvisation and acoustic solo guitar and has played with a diverse group of artists such as Kirk Whalum, Scott Kinsey, Kenny Garrett, Akira Jimbo, Jody Watley, and sax legend Bill Perkins, as well as many other Los Angeles based artists.

Jinshi has been influenced by Beatles, S&G, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Bob Marley, Keith Jarrett, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Sonny Rollins, Chick Corea, Kenny Kirkland, Jack DeJohnette, Bob James, A.C.Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Joe Pass, George Benson, David Russell, Chris Perkening, Ry Cooder, Willie Nelson, Paco De Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Django Reinhardt, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Ted Greene, Eric Gale, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Ashkenazy, Claudio Arrau, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, M.Ravel, and many others.

Teaching Philosophy

"I like to show my students the strong connection between jazz and funk, R&B and other styles. They all have similar rhythmic phrasing and rhythmic language. The teaching method that I find that works best for me is being down to earth in my delivery. Finding some common ground and always staying relaxed are the most important things to me."