Biography

She maneuvers the peaks and valleys and hesitations of this song

and brings you deeply into the story.”

"It's a Hardbop Life"

"

Born in Osaka, Japan. She developed her vocal skills by sharing the stage and recording sessions with some of Japan's most accomplished artists, including Yuming (Yumi Matsutoya), one of the most popular female singer/songwriters 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, and rode the momentum of that performance into a nationwide tour, including stops in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as dozens of appearances on national radio programs and TV shows.

Zinc bar -New York, NY

2012 saw Kay returning to Japan for a hugely successful K & Neo concert tour and then back to New York’s Zinc Bar for her first solo concert in two years, performing her original compositions to another sold-out audience. In July, Kay performed at the Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival, directed by the famous Broadway Music supervisor /conductor Patrick Vaccariello. She is currently in the process of filming Sci-Fi Indie Movie “The Center of the Universe” (scheduled for release in 2021).

Metropolitan Room _New York, NY

Birdland -New York, NY

In 2007, Kay awarded a prestigious Artists' Grant from the Japanese Government, allowing 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.

Kay quickly began making a name for herself following a guest performance at New York City's Birdland, Iridium and a 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. There was also a dinner show as K & Neo at Jazz at Kitano and an appearance at Bitter End, Nublu and Zinc Bar. Later that year Kay recorded with two-time Grammy award nominee saxophonist Adam Kolker, (Reflections/Sunnyside Records) and was a guest on his subsequent European tour.

"The Center of the Universe"

She began 2011 with one of her regularly sold-out concerts at Zinc Bar "2011 Valentine’s Celebration” followed by appearances at a number of Benefit Concerts for Japan’s Earthquake/Tsunami relief. In June, she made an appearance as a guest soloist with the New York Symphonic Ensemble at the United Nations, and her acting debut in the Off-Broadway play “It’s a Hardbop Life” (lead). K & Neo's version of "Summertime" -- released on their CD Timeless -- was featured in UNIQLO Clothing's International TV Advertising campaign in Japan, Korea and other countries in Asia.

In 2013, Kay joined the rosters for their Jazz series of the Metropolitan Room New York City which is selected as one of the best 50 jazz clubs in America by ZAGAT In April, she got invited to Costa Rica as an international guest performer to the biggest Comic Convention in Central America “Cosparty”. She performed in front of 10,000 screaming fans and made an appearance to another big comic convention in El Salvedor and Bolivia as well.

CosParty -Costa Rica

Biography

Thomas Conrad -JAZZ TIMES raves:

Kay Matsukawa

In 2014, She continuously headlines in New York such as at Zinc bar, Tomi Jazz and more. In November, Kay made her first appearance to the New York Bar at the luxurious 5-star Park Hyatt Tokyo Hotel. She had successfully sold out shows including the concert series "Club333" at Tokyo Tower which is one of the historic landmarks in Japan. Kay had also sold out performances at Softwind Jazz Club Roppongi, Tokyo. By popular demand after selling out the original date she had to add one more performance.

In 2015, She started preparing for her concert series called “Piano and I” which has the concept of featuring different pianists at each one of the shows as in duo. “Piano and I” started out June at the Metropolitan Room. She performed with Jon Davis who has recorded and performed with such great as Joe Henderson, Stan Getz. Kay has also performed this year with Chris Gillespie who entertains as a roster at the prestigious Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. Kay was invited to perform for various private functions such as at the exclusive Harvard Club, New York Athletic Club just to name of few.

In July 2016, K & Neo (a.k.a. FAKiE) 1-bit recording CD "To The Limit", has been released in Japan as high resolution re-masterd version on E-Onkyo Music. It marked #2 on the top 10.

She currently performs at upscale intimate music venues in New York and for private functions, charity events. Also she is preparing for recording her first solo CD.