Japanese-Brazilian bossa nova songstress Lisa Ono comes back to Bangkok next week

A few years back, Lisa Ono lulled the crowd with her debut show at the Bangkok Jazz Festival, leaving fans wanting more.

Now the bossa nova star is coming back to town, and will be in concert on Saturday night at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Ono has won critical acclaim for her vivid and imaginative interpretation of Brazilian music. Born in Sao Paolo, she moved back to Japan when she was 10 and today divides her time between Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

She released her debut album, "Catupiry", in 1989 and has worked with such luminaries as Tom Jobim, Ana Terra and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Ono put down her guitar and gave us a short interview.

What are you working on now?

This year I've been touring Asia. After the Bangkok show, I'll be in Japan, where I start touring in May for my new album.

How does it feel to be back in Bangkok?

I'm very excited to see everyone again. Also I'm looking forward to eating Thai cuisine, which is my favourite.

What's the plan for this show?

I'm going to perform many songs from all around the world including country music, soul and also jazz standards from my new album. And of course I'll sing bossa nova too.

If bossa nova didn't exist, what kind of music would you take on instead?

I can't imagine that!

What do you think of the music scene now?

I feel that music used to be more romantic, and I hope that one day, heartfelt music will be back in vogue again.

Please say something to your fans in Thailand.

The beauty of music is the fact that you can share various emotions by going over language and nationalities. I'm very thankful to be back and I hope we can share some precious time together.