Ryo Fukui (福居良) was a renowned Japanese jazz pianist whose emotive style and command of the medium brought him acclaim, particularly within the jazz community. Born on June 1, 1948, in Biratori, Hokkaido, Fukui taught himself piano at the age of 22—a relatively late start for a musician who would go on to become a virtuoso. Despite the late beginning, Fukui rapidly developed a unique and vibrant approach to play, showcasing a remarkable talent for improvisation and an intuitive feel for the complexities of jazz.

Fukui's debut album, "Scenery" (シーナリィ), released in 1976, cemented his reputation as a rising star in the jazz scene. His expressive and highly melodic playing on the album was a breath of fresh air and garnered widespread praise. Fukui followed this with "Mellow Dream" in 1977, further establishing his lyrical style and technical prowess. Over the years, he continued to release albums that demonstrated his evolving artistry, including live recordings such as "Live at B Flat" ('ライブ・アット・びーどろ'77) that captured the spontaneous energy of his performances. "Ryo Fukui in New York" marked a significant milestone in his career, featuring collaborations with American jazz musicians and showcasing his ability to blend seamlessly into the international jazz panorama. His later works, such as "A Letter from Slowboat" and "My Favorite Tune," continued to enchant audiences with their sophistication and heartfelt compositions. Ryo Fukui's contribution to jazz, though he passed away on March 15, 2016, continues to live on through his soul-stirring music, which not only defines a crucial moment in Japanese jazz history but also serves as a timeless testament to the universal language of music.

Genres

Classic Japanese Jazz

Related Artists

Bill Evans

Herbie Hancock

Chick Corea

Oscar Peterson

Keith Jarrett

McCoy Tyner

Kenny G

Masayoshi Takanaka

Thelonious Monk

Pat Metheny

CASIOPEA

Al Jarreau

Latest Release

シーナリィ・オブ・ジャパニーズ・ジャズ：ベスト・オブ・福居良

Ryo Fukui

Album - 8 Tracks - Released August 26, 2022