Tomo Sunada

Biography
Influencers

Tomo Sunada, from Hiroshima, is a prominent jazz pianist and arranger. He honed his skills in Tokyo under acclaimed musicians and has been part of a wide range of performances, from solo to big bands, including collaborations with Nancy Wilson and Benny Golson. He founded the "Tomo Sunada BIG BAND," now known as "Sunada BB & Mitsukita," which is celebrated for its unique arrangements and live performances. After a pause in 2020, the band resumed its activities in 2021. Sunada also actively contributes as a main instructor for Saitama City's big band projects.

Born in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Libra, blood type O.

Began learning piano from a young age and joined the brass band club in high school, playing the trumpet.

After graduating from the Hiroshima University Faculty of Education (majoring in Music: Piano) and completing a postgraduate course in education (music), he moved to Tokyo.

During his university years, he started playing jazz by joining amateur bands of working adults in his hometown (Onomichi, Fukuyama).

After moving to Tokyo, he enrolled in the Music College Mezer House, where he studied piano under Aki Takase and piano and arrangement under Masahiko Sato, becoming a scholarship student in his second year.

Upon graduation, he was invited to teach at the same school, where he remained active until 2008.

He also began his career as a jazz pianist around the same time.
He has experience playing in various formations from solo piano to big band and has participated in numerous groups and sessions.

In 1987, he participated as a keyboardist in Nancy Wilson's Japan tour.
In 1997, he performed with Benny Golson during the tour for Miki Yamaoka's album release of "I Remember Clifford."
From 1996 to 2000, he was a member of the Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band and participated in the recording of the album "Savannah."

In recent years, he has also gained attention as an arranger.
In December 2000, he launched "Tomo Sunada BIG BAND☆ Feat. Mitsuki Aso" (nicknamed "Sunada BB") at Someday in Shin-Okubo, achieving great success. All the songs were arranged by him (over 150 to date), featuring seasoned members and the powerful sound of an 18-piece band, regularly performing LIVE with Mitsuki Aso (vocal) featured.
In 2008, the band's name was changed to "Sunada BB & Mitsukita," and they released their 1st album "GORGEOUS!" Due to Mitsukita Aso's passing and the pandemic, live activities were suspended in 2020, but resumed in September 2021 with new vocalists (Sanae Ishikawa, Miwa Tanabe), continuing to this day. The band name remains unchanged as "Sunada BB & Mitsukita."