Masataka
Odaka, a native of Tokyo, Japan who splits his time between the
Far East and the Big Apple thinks things from the bottom up. An upright
and electric bassist by trade, he is frequently on call in the city and
has performed as a sideman for musicians from varying disciplines that
range from jazz to Broadway to classical including Rory Stuart, Jane Ira
Bloom, Joseph Baker, Nancy Anderson, Stefania de Kenessey, Barbara Mallow,
Albert Lotto, Thomas Piercy, Theodore Arm, and Judith Olsen. Having studied
with Andy McKee and Jeff Carney at the New School, he currently studies
bass under former New York Philharmonic principal bassist John Schaeffer.
Active as a bandleader as well, Masataka has led his own ensembles in
performances of original compositions in venues such as Sweet Rhythm,
Pianos, and the Tenri Cultural Institute. Masataka holds a BFA from the
New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program.