Change came in form of a new bassist, James Genus, known for his impressive performances with Wynton Marsalis. Ozone, Penn and Genus are well matched. The pursuit of excellence is a top priority among the three musicians, who have no intention of limiting themselves to just one area of music. Jazz, classical, Brazilian and Tango, they aim to redefine the boundaries of music. Recording of the much-awaited new album will begin in the spring of 2000.
Expectations run high.
But of course, imagine the possibilities of a trio blessed with a sense of subtlety and dynamism that can at times be combined within a single song. The 21-century calls for a progressive and unbiased sense of music that overcomes the preconceptions of genre and seizes it as one entity. Coming from a jazz background but with eyes firmly foccused on a broader musical horizon, Makoto Ozone is certainly one musician who will be sought after in the coming century. 1999 was a busy year for Ozone. He composed a Piano Concerto to be performed by his trio together with a 70-piace orchestra, a feat that was first unveiled to an elated audience in Mexico.