Masaru Imada (1932–2025) was a distinguished Japanese jazz pianist and composer whose career spanned over five decades. Born in Tokyo, he began with classical piano training before immersing himself in jazz during his university years at Meiji University. After a brief stint in the business world, Imada pursued music professionally, joining clarinetist Eiji Kitamura's band in 1953. By 1964, he had formed his own trio, and in 1984, he established the fusion band Now'in. Imada's discography boasts over 40 albums, including notable works like "Now!" (1970) and "Andalusian Breeze" (1980). His collaborations with international jazz luminaries such as David Sanborn, the Brecker Brothers, Steve Gadd, and Grover Washington Jr. highlight his global influence. Imada's sophisticated compositions and refined playing style have left an indelible mark on the jazz world. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Imada?utm_source=openai))