Kei Kobayashi

Kei Kobayashi, born on May 9, 1979, in Tokyo, is a distinguished Japanese jazz vocalist renowned for his exceptional artistry and contributions to the genre. Coming from a musical lineage, Kei is the grandson of Kazunori Murakami, a jazz steel guitar player, and his parents, Hiroshi Kobayashi, a jazz pianist and arranger, and Kyoko Murakami, a jazz vocalist, cultivated his passion for music from a young age.

At just three years old, Kei's love for performance was ignited by a musical he encountered at an amusement park. By five, he was inspired by a Duke Ellington-themed stage play and boldly announced his ambition to perform on stage. His early involvement in classical ballet and subsequent lead roles in musicals at age 12 set the stage for his burgeoning career.

By 15, he was already making waves in Tokyo's live music scene as both a jazz vocalist and drummer. A pivotal moment came at 16 when he participated in a charity concert alongside jazz luminaries like Herbie Hancock. His debut mini-album, "Let's Take the K Train ~17-Year-Old Jazz," was released shortly after he turned 17, followed by his first full album, "18/P.S. I LOVE YOU," at 18.

Kobayashi's major breakthrough arrived at 20 with "So Nice," which established him as a household name and sparked a jazz vocal renaissance. Over the years, he has released 11 full albums, including notable works such as "The Standard" and "The Standard II," and celebrated his 25th anniversary with a national tour in 2018. As an advocate for jazz standards, Kei Kobayashi continues to engage audiences with his innovative interpretations and improvisational skills.