Kay
| Born in Osaka, Japan, Kay began her professional singing and
songwriting career after graduating high school. She developed her vocal
skills by sharing many live performances and recording sessions with
some of Japan's most accomplished artists, including Yuming (Yumi
Matsutoya), the best selling female singer/songwriter in Japan. In 1991 Kay debuted as a member of the pop group Delta, releasing four CD singles and an album on Mercury Records (Universal Music Entertainment Group). Delta's songs were featured on every major Japanese television network. In 1999 Kay teamed with Delta's guitarist Neo to form the duo FAKiE. They released three CDs in Japan, earning high praise from music fans -- including jazz listeners and audiophiles -- for their breathtaking performances and the CD's high quality sound. Each album's release was followed by successful tours throughout Japan, from jazz clubs to major concert halls and convention centers. In August 2006 FAKiE performed at "Imperial Jazz Complex" at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. They rode the momentum of that performance into a nationwide tour, which commenced in November. The tour included stops in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka, as well as dozens of appearances on national radio programs and TV shows. In 2007 Kay was awarded a prestigious Artists' Grant from the Japanese Government, enabling her to move to New York City to further develop and share her talent with other musicians. She was also offered a coveted endorsement from professional audio equipment manufacturer Electro-Voice. In 2008 the duo changed its name to K&Neo. Kay's captivating vocals interlace seamlessly with Neo's nylon-string guitar. Her voice - at times soft and mellow but often exuding great power - is blessed with an impressive wide range and crystalline tone. |
Endorsement artist of Electro-Voice |
| Kay quickly
began making a name for herself following
a guest performance at New York City's Birdland,
followed by her successful solo New
York debut at the Kitano New York Jazz Room in
November 2009. In May 2010, she held a special Birthday
Concert at the same
location and took the audience by storm. There was also a
full-scale dinner
show as K&Neo in the Kitano's Garden Cafe in September,
an appearance at
Nublu and the regular sold-out concerts at Zinc Bar
including “2011 Valentine’s
Celebration” and many appearances at Benefit Concerts for
Japan’s Earthquake/Tsunami relief. In April, K&Neo's version of
"Summertime" -- released on their CD Timeless -- was featured in UNIQLO
Clothing's International TV Advertising campaign. In October 2010, Kay
recorded with two-time Grammy award nominee saxophonist Adam Kolker,
(Reflections/Sunnyside Records) and performed as a guest on his
subsequent European tour. She recently appeared as guest soloist with
the New York Symphonic Ensemble at the United Nations. In September Kay made her acting debut in the roll of Miki in the off Broadway Musical/Play “It’s A Hardbop Life.” |
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| Kay Matsukawa Official Website |
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Content copyright . K&Neo (a.k.a. FAKiE). All rights reserved.
All photos by KENJI MORI.
* Please note that copyrighted photos may not be used without permission.