Description

From pop stardom in Japan to jazz artistry in New York, Senri Oe’s musical journey is a story of fearless reinvention. A chart-topping singer-songwriter in the 1980s and ’90s, Oe turned the page in 2008 to pursue his passion for jazz—relocating to New York, studying at The New School for Jazz, and never looking back.

Today, he’s a pianist and composer whose work bridges East and West, nostalgia and innovation. His original compositions and reimagined pop classics have earned acclaim for their lyrical sensitivity, sophisticated harmony, and unmistakable charm.

With performances at top jazz festivals and venues around the world—including Blue Note New York and Tokyo, Detroit Jazz Festival, and Birdland Theater—Oe has become a global voice in jazz. In New York, he is a familiar presence at beloved venues such as Tomi Jazz, Zinc, and Smalls.

This year marks his fifth consecutive appearance at Birdland Theater, a testament to his continued resonance with New York audiences and his evolving artistry.

He has been featured on television, radio, and online platforms, praised for his singular artistic voice and genre-defying style.

Even during the pandemic, Oe’s creativity never paused. His livestream concert from Blue Note New York reached audiences in Japan, and his piano solo “Togetherness” from the album Letter to N.Y. was chosen by the Associated Press as one of the “Top 40 Songs of the COVID Era,” alongside music by Bon Jovi, Bono, Gloria Estefan, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, and The Rolling Stones.

Matt Clohesy (bass)
Australian-born bassist Matt Clohesy is a commanding presence on both upright and electric bass. Now based in New York, his rich tone and intuitive groove have supported the likes of Kurt Rosenwinkel, Maria Schneider, and Gretchen Parlato on stages around the world.

Ross Pederson (drums)
A dynamic force behind the kit, Ross Pederson brings explosive energy and deep musicality to every performance. Based in Brooklyn, he has performed with jazz legends such as Fred Hersch and Snarky Puppy, blending sensitivity and power with fearless versatility.

This dynamic trio performance will be elevated by a special guest appearance from acclaimed vocalist Lauren Kinhan—a bold and expressive artist best known for her work with the Grammy-winning vocal group New York Voices. Kinhan’s voice, rich with soul and storytelling nuance, has captivated audiences around the world and across genres. Her solo work has earned critical praise for its inventive phrasing and emotional depth.

Kinhan previously collaborated with Oe on his vocal jazz album Answer July, where her interpretations of his compositions added color and daring contrast. Their reunion at Birdland will offer a rare and powerful continuation of that artistic dialogue—a new “Answer” to Oe’s evolving jazz journey.

Join Senri Oe and his trio for a night of genre-defying jazz, where every note tells a story!

This is a recurring event. All dates:
Friday, September 19 2025, 07:00 PM
Friday, September 19 2025, 09:30 PM
Saturday, September 20 2025, 07:00 PM
Saturday, September 20 2025, 09:30 PM