Live Music: Jason Okamoto
A self-taught musician and composer based in Portland, Jason combines elements of bossa nova, flamenco, and French gypsy jazz using primarily classical (nylon string) guitar.
His 2010 release Solo Trio featured gypsy jazz standards along with his original compositions. In early 2018, he released Busquer featuring 12 original pieces.
In support of this album, Jason’s live solo performances include both solo guitar and live looping options, essentially creating the sound of a small group with only one musician. Jason also creates custom solo guitar arrangements of well-loved pieces.
You may have seen Jason performing solo at culinary bright spots Andina, El Gaucho and the Ringside Fish House in downtown Portland. He’s also a big favorite among our oenophile friends at many wineries within the Willamette Valley.
Jason’s rich musical history includes being a founding member of Portland’s early idiosyncratic country indie rock band The Flatirons, which was featured by MTV.