Shu Odamura
Overview
Thank you for viewing my profile. I’m a guitarist originally from Kyoto, Japan. I play American music and songs from around the world in a style of acoustic jazz, blending freedom, groove, and peace.
Please feel free to message me if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
Reviews
4 reviews
Sidra A.
April 20, 2026Lovely live music for a 40th!
Shu was so easy to work with. He came up with a set list for my husbands 40th but was very receptive to song recos. He was so professional, punctual and all around just great. Everyone loved the music and he even played a mini set of my husbands favorite songs.
Hired as: Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist
Shu Odamura
Hi Sidra, Thanks again for having me at the birthday party! It was very fun putting the setlist together and learning some new songs, too!
Charmaine C.
April 15, 2026Outstanding Musician and a Joy to Work With
Shu provided music for our wedding ceremony, and working with him was truly exceptional from start to finish. He communicated proactively and promptly, collaborated with us to curate our music selection, and arrived early with all the necessary equipment. He also dressed appropriately for the occasion (a thoughtful detail I had forgotten to mention in the whirlwind of wedding planning).
Most importantly, he performed each song beautifully, elevating the entire ceremony and adding to the romantic ambiance of the day. Shu is not only talented, but also reliable, thoughtful, and an absolute pleasure to work with. We couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Hired as: Guitarist
Shu Odamura
Hi Charmaine, It was a pleasure to be part of the warm and beautiful ceremony and share my music with your family and friends. Congratulations again, and best wishes to both of you!
Lisa W.
August 8, 2025Wonderful Music for our Residents
Shu responded to my request and offered a solution that worked beautifully for our residents. He and Randy brought wonderful Mexican Bolero music to our community. True professionals, fun and engaging. I highly recommend them.
Hired as: Guitarist
Shu Odamura
Thanks again Lisa, it was such a wonderful experience performing for the lovely people!
Mohan M.
June 29, 2024One of the best, experiences I had!!!
Hired Mr.Shu for a surprise for my wife. He did an amazing job, was very professional and friendly. HIGHLY RECOMMEND him for your next event.
Hired as: Guitarist
Shu Odamura
Thank you Mohan, and I'm so glad that the surprise went well!!
Booking information
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English, Japanese
Gig length: 10 - 180 minutes
What to expect
I always offer a free consultation before booking is confirmed. I can help with choosing songs, genres, and the overall feel of the music. I can include song requests, as long as they are playable on guitar.
Instruments I use:
Japanese luthier-made classical guitars
Godin Jazz Nylon guitar
Godin electric guitar
Equipment:
Portable sound system suitable for up to 50 people
Portable power station
Microphone for speeches or announcements during events
iPhone setup for backing tracks or additional music playback
* For events with more than 50 people, please contact me before booking.
About
Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, Shu Odamura is a guitarist and composer based in New York City. He earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and moved to the U.S. in 2006. In 2010, Shu was honored as the third top acoustic guitarist in the world by the 32nd Annual Jazz Station Awards.
After graduating from Berklee with a degree in Jazz composition, Shu made the move to NYC and formed his first band, the Shu Odamura Trio. Their debut album, Cloud Illusions, was released on What's New Records and received praise from All About Jazz, Minor 7th, Jazz Life Magazine, and Jazz Japan Magazine. In 2016, he co-founded the group Jazz Triangle 65-77, which has toured Japan and Thailand and performed at iconic venues like Blue Note New York and Flushing Town Hall.
In addition to his jazz performances, Shu has worked on Off-Broadway musicals and theater projects throughout the New York area. He has also served as music director for Watoku Ueno's shadow puppetry group for over a decade. His performance credits include Williamstown Theatre Festival, American Airlines Theatre, Minetta Lane Theatre, La MaMa ETC, Joe’s Pub, Nublu 151, and 54 Below. As a composer and arranger, Shu has written music for independent films, wind bands, wind ensembles, and jazz big bands.
Additional booking notes
Instruments I use:
Japanese luthier-made classical guitars
Godin Jazz Nylon guitar
Godin electric guitar
Equipment:
Portable sound system suitable for up to 50 people
Portable power station
Microphone for speeches or announcements during events
iPhone setup for backing tracks or additional music playback
Upcoming booked events
August 2026
14
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Kew Gardens, NY
30
Sunday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Hopewell, NJ
September 2026
06
Sunday
Cocktail Party
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Woodmere, NY
19
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Berlin, NJ
Past booked events
May 2026
02
Saturday
Private Party
4:30pm - 7:30pm
April 2026
25
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:30pm - 4:30pm
18
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Valley Cottage, NY
06
Monday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
New York City, NY
December 2025
19
Friday
Cocktail Party
8:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Brooklyn, NY
August 2025
07
Thursday
Corporate Event
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
New York City, NY
June 2024
28
Friday
Surprise
12:00pm - 12:15pm
•
St Albans, NY
Set list
Set list (Excerpt)
🎤 Pop Songs
Perfect (Ed Sheeran)
All fo Me (John Legend)
If Ain’t Got You (Alicia Keys)
Can’t Help Falling in Lone (Elvis Presley)
Nobody But You (Black Shelton)
Heartbroken (Jessie Murph)
Iris (Goo Goo Dolls)
Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (Stevie Wonder)
I Just Called To Say I Love You (Stevie Wonder)
How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees)
Dancing Queen (ABBA)
Lovin’ You (Minnie Riperton)
Let It Be (Beatles)
Hey Jude (Beatles)
Here, There And Everywhere (Beatles)
Yesterday (Beatles)
Here Comes The Sun (Beatles)
👸 Disney Songs
When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio)
Under The Sea (Little Mermaid)
Someday My Prince Will Come (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
Alice In Wonderland
🎸 Blues & Rock
Sweet Child Of Mine (Gun’s N Roses)
Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry)
🎷Jazz & Bossa Nova
What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
Fly Me To The Moon (Frank Sinatra)
All Of Me (Billie Holiday)
The Girl From Ipanema (Astrud Gilberto)
L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole)
It’s Only A Paper Moon (Nat King Cole)
Check To Cheek (Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga)
One Note Samba (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
Georgia on My Mind (Ray Charles) )
How High The Moon (Ella Fitzgerald)
Summertime (George Gershwn)
Satin Doll (Duke Ellington)
Take The A Train (Duke Ellington)
Take Five (Dave Brubeck)
Cantaloupe Island (Herbie Hancock)
Oye Como Va (Santana)
Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
Corcovado (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
Wave (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
🎻Classical
Minuet In G (J.S. Bach)
Lagrima (Francisco Tarrega）
Influences and inspiration
Nat King Cole
Ray Charles
Steive Wonder
John Legend
George Benson
Duke Ellington
Jim Hall
The Beatles
J.S. Bach
AC/DC
Miles Davis
Tito Puente
Charlie Parker
Bee Gees
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Stan Getz
Dizzy Gillespie
Isley Brothers
Frank Sinatra
Tony Bennett
Carlos Santana
Michael Jackson
Setup requirements
Canopy or solid covering for outdoor events
A Chair
Power outlet (preferred but not required)