Rie Furuse
| Rié FURUSE | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | 古瀬 里恵 |
| Also known as | Rié FURUSE |
| Born | February 7, 1982 |
| Origin | Kumamoto, Japan |
| Genres | Jazz, Funk, Latin, pop, Jazz-Pop, Chanson Francaise |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Website | RieFuruse.com |
Rié FURUSE (古瀬里恵 FURUSE Rié, born February 7, 1982 in Kumamoto) is a Japanese vocalist.
Early life and education
Rié Furuse was born February 7, 1982 and grew up in Kumamoto, Japan. Aged three, her parents enrolled Furuse to take music lessons.
She later studied French Literature at Dokkyo University in Tokyo, and graduated in March 2004.
During her time at university Furuse discovered jazz and began performing in Tokyo jazz clubs after school. During that time she interpreted songs of Ella Fitzgerald, and later also became interested in French jazz songs (e.g. Charles Trenet, Charles Aznavour, Dalida, etc.).
Career
Following her early beginnins, Furuse proceeded to have vocal training under the tutelage of Diva Gray (former member of the group Chic (band). During this period she was influenced both by Gray as well as emerging American music (Pop, Gospel and Funk), leading to the creation of her own musical style.
Subsequently Furuse decided to perform internationally. At 25, she travelled to Hawaii, where she was featured by various local media.. Two years later, she toured in Singapore (2009) and then Vietnam.
In 2010 Furuse moved to Paris. Her style continued to evolve and incorporated new elements in a mix of Contemporary Jazz, Fusion, Funk and Jazz-Pop. Her music is said to be influenced by the works of Roberta Flack, Eva Cassidy, and Lalah Hathaway.
Furuse has performed together with musicians like vocalist Janis Siegel from Manhattan Transfer, Philip Woo(pf), Tommy Campbell(ds), Patience Higgins(sax,fl), Kei Shibata(pf), Hiroshi Tanaka(pf), Abe Lagrimas Jr.(ukulele, ds) and Pierre-Louis CAS(sax).
Awards
In 2010, during the festival of 48 Hour Film Project Awards in Ho Chi Minh, Rié received “The Best Music Award” for one of her songs “The One” (Rié FURUSE - Chris Mosdell) which was featured as the soundtrack for the movie “Postcards from Heaven”.
Personal life
Furuse lives in Paris, France and regularly tours different countries with her performances.
She composes her songs inspired by Parisian life.