Kentaro Saito is a Los Angeles-based Japanese guitarist, composer, and music educator renowned for his versatile artistry, seamless genre-blending, and infectious groove. Widely recognized as the visionary former leader and front-man of the acclaimed international touring act OTONANA Trio, Kentaro has spent years captivating audiences worldwide with his signature guitar work and dynamic stage presence.
Today, Kentaro is channeling his creative energy into two distinct parallel paths—showcasing his profound depth as a solo instrumentalist and his explosive energy as a bandleader:
1. Solo Jazz Guitar
As a solo jazz guitarist, Kentaro explores the rich, intricate textures of traditional and modern jazz. Stripping away the full-band production, his solo performances highlight his exceptional technical command, expressive phrasing, and sophisticated chord-melody arrangements. This side of his artistry offers listeners an intimate, refined musical experience, rooted in deep respect for the jazz lineage while incorporating his personal contemporary flair.
2. Kentaro and The Ramen Flag Band
Serving as the direct sonic successor to the OTONANA Trio, "Kentaro and The Ramen Flag Band" is Kentaro’s heavy-groove, high-energy ensemble project. Blending funk, rock, and jazz into an unforgettable fusion, the band delivers powerful, groove-driven anthems that connect deeply with audiences. Their latest creative milestone, the singles “Ramen Can Change The World” and “We Ramen”—released by Visionary Noise and distributed via Virgin Music—perfectly encapsulate this bold, genre-defying direction.