Keiko Lee

Since her debut album, “Imagine” in 1995, Lee has launched a remarkable career including 26 albums. A powerhouse vocalist praised by fellow musicians for her strong vocals on equal footing to musical instruments, Lee’s improvisational flair and electrifying performances have captivated fans worldwide. The 2001 Nissan Stage commercial featuring her rendition of “We Will Rock You” propelled her into the mainstream, with her subsequent album “Voices” becoming a major hit, selling over 250,000 copies. Lee’s accolades include topping the female vocalist category in the “Japan Jazzmen Reader Popularity Poll” for an impressive 13 consecutive years. In 2003, she achieved the “triple crown” by winning “Album of the Year,” “Jazzman of the Year,” and the “Top Female Vocalist” award.

Her popularity extends beyond Japan, with a dedicated following in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Lee continues to push boundaries, as evidenced by her 2015 album “LOVE XX” featuring a virtual duet with the legendary Billie Holiday. More recently, Lee released her 25th-anniversary album “Keiko Lee Live at Jazz in Lovely” (2020) and her fourth best-of collection “Voices IV” (2022).

Band members

Ippei KATO (Guitar)

After honing his skills at ESP Gakuen Musical Academy and through jam sessions in New York, Ippei Kato has become a sought-after guitarist, performing with legends like Isao Suzuki and Terumasa Hino. Kato is a driving force in bands like “Isao Suzuki OMA SOUND” and Terumasa Hino Quintet. His 2018 debut album “Futsuenu” with Narashita-Baai garnered critical acclaim, solidifying his place as a guitarist to watch.

YUSEI Takahashi (Piano)

Yusei Takahashi is a rising talent with a boundless musical spirit. Drawn to jazz at a young age, he honed his skills independently by working with renowned figures like Terumasa Hino and the Setagaya Dream Jazz Band. He pushes creative boundaries by performing across diverse styles, from his own unit “Himitsu Kichi” to bands like “Setagaya Trio” and “m°fe”. Yusei’s versatility and artistry make him a captivating performer to watch.

Marty Holoubek (Bass)

After graduating in music from the University of Adelaide and Monash University’s Graduate School of Music Research in Melbourne, Holoubek became fascinated with the music scene in Japan collaborating with many Japanese artists. He moved his base to Tokyo in 2018 performing across multiple genres from Jazz to Indie Rock working with bands such as “Musica Piccolino”, “Aoi Sakiyama”, “ROTH BART BARON”, “The Lagerphones” and “Sex On Toast” developing the relationship between the music scenes of Japan and Australia.

NAOKI Takahashi (Drums)

Hokkaido Native drummer Naoki began drumming young, attending the Sapporo Jazz School for 9 years. He honed his craft at Berklee College of Music mentoring under jazz legends such as Tiger Okoshi, Sadayasu Fujii and David Matthews. After a successful debut in Sapporo, Naoki is a rising star in the Tokyo Jazz scene performing regularly with the Terumasa Hino Quintet and other bands such as the Ohashi Trio.