Blues Funk Guiter Player

SEIZO "Sazo" SHIBAYAMA

柴山聖象

Biography

Seizo (Sazo) Shibayama was born in Aichi, Japan. At the age of 10, he picked up the guitar as he was influenced by his older brother and was an avid fan of The Beatles.

His first major work came when he was 19, entering YAMAHA Recording Studio in Japan. Since then, he has performed with many of the top musicians in the Japan music scene.

In 2008, Seizo moved to America. From that point, Seizo developed relationship with many of the top musicians in America, and has been an outstanding person in the musical community. His ability to play many genres has gained him confidence from singers and bands, not only in Japan, but internationally as well. This ability has also given him the opportunity to perform and produce them as well. He has developed relationships with guest musicians from all across the world. Seizo has performed and recorded with many of the industry`s top musicians including: Russell Batiste Jr., Bill Summers, Cyril Neville, George Porter, Kirk Joseph, Dwayne Dopsie, Stanton Moore, Terence Higgins, Ann Sally, June Yamagishi, just to name few.

Also, Shibayama has been performing at well-known festivals. Just a few of the outstanding music festivals that his touring has led him to include The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Bayoo Bogaloo Festival and many others.

In 2008, Shibayama became a full endorser of world-renowned guitar crafting company, Prosound Communications Inc. He uses their effect pedal exclusively for all his performances and recordings.As a top call sideman and session musician in constant demand, non-stop performing and recording work continues to take Seizo around the globe.