Misaki Umei’s 5th single, innerjade, was released on Wednesday, December 4.
Umei made her debut as a pianist/composer at Blue Note Tokyo in 2018 at the age of 16, winning an audition to perform in Blue Giant Nights alongside Hiromi Uehara, Kazunori Kumagai, and Kendrick Scott. After graduating from the Composition Department of Tokyo University of the Arts, Umei has performed and recorded with artists such as Hiromi Uehara, Ozora Kimishima, and Aina the End. She is also known for her work as a composer in the vocal unit “haruyoi” with Saki Kanno, showcasing her seamless activity as a promising next-generation musician.
innerjade is the first single released from her newly established label, “.plum(es)” (pronounced “Plum”). Umei wrote and composed the song and played the piano, while guest vocalist Yuka Takahashi, a bassoonist based in Germany, contributed her vocals. The song starts with the soothing harmony of Takahashi’s clear voice and Umei’s piano, gradually building up the presence of an organic track, creating an impressive fusion of classical, jazz, and contemporary music elements. A comment from Umei was also shared in conjunction with the release.
When I visited my favorite spot in the morning, the jade-colored sea I remembered had disappeared without a trace. I felt a touch of sadness, yet there was also a strange joy in knowing there was no place to return to and that time couldn’t be reversed. Who am I in this moment? As I turned the rudder left and thought, “If I set sail, I’ll be able to breathe deeply,” I found this present moment to be the most serene.
Misaki Umei
On Thursday, December 12, Misaki Umei will hold her first piano recital, *Misaki Umei Piano Solo Concert – hazy recollections -, * at the Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall in Hatsudai, Tokyo. In addition to her original compositions, the program will include Toru Takemitsu’s Rain Tree Sketch, Nikolai Kapustin’s Piano Sonata No. 6, Maurice Ravel’s Jeux d’eau, and Stevie Wonder’s Overjoyed. Messages from Kayo Yoshizawa, Yudai Bando, Takashi Aragaki, and Ozora Kimishima, written in support of the recital, are also available on the special page hosted by Columbia Classic. Tickets are currently on sale to the public.
Misaki Umei’s 5th single, innerjade
Composer, Lyricist, and Piano: Misaki Umei
Vocals: Yuka Takahashi
Recording, Mixing, and Mastering: Yoshimasa Wakui
Digital Release Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Distribution Link: https://linkco.re/PpydM1MR
Misaki Umei Piano Solo Concert-hazy recollections-
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Venue: Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall
Tickets
Reserved seating
Advance: ¥4,500 | At the door: ¥5,000
Note: Admission is not allowed for children not yet in elementary school.
Ticket Outlets:
- Ticket Pia (P Code: 280-509)
- Lawson Ticket (L Code: 36512)
- e+ (Eplus)
- Tokyo Opera City Ticket Center (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Closed on Mondays)
- MITT TICKET (Weekdays 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
