Biography
Ryo Fukui was born on June 1, 1948, in Hokkaido, Japan. He began his musical journey relatively late, first learning the accordion at age 18 before teaching himself piano at 22. Driven by self-discipline and a passion for jazz, Fukui moved to Tokyo, where he immersed himself in the local jazz scene and honed his craft, despite occasional setbacks and feelings of slow progress. His perseverance paid off with the release of his debut album 'Scenery' in 1976, followed by 'Mellow Dream' in 1977, both of which showcased his dexterous playing and a style influenced by jazz greats such as McCoy Tyner and Bill Evans.[1][2][4]
Fukui's career flourished as he performed regularly in trios, notably with bassist Satoshi Denpo and his brother Yoshinori Fukui on drums. He became a fixture at renowned Japanese jazz venues and later performed internationally, including in France and America. In 1992, Fukui deepened his connection to bebop through mentorship with American pianist Barry Harris, further refining his technique. In 1995, Fukui and his wife Yasuko opened the Slowboat jazz club in Sapporo, which became a vibrant hub for jazz performance and education. His final album, 'A Letter From Slowboat' (2015), was recorded live at the club, serving as a heartfelt culmination of his musical journey.[2][1]
Fukui passed away from lymphoma on March 15, 2016, but his legacy endures. The Slowboat jazz club continues to operate, preserving the culture he fostered. In recent years, Fukui's work has experienced a resurgence, with his albums—especially 'Scenery'—being rediscovered and celebrated worldwide, symbolizing the sophistication and allure of Japanese jazz.[1][2][4]
Fun Facts
- Ryo Fukui was entirely self-taught on piano, only beginning at age 22 after starting on accordion at 18.
- He and his wife Yasuko founded the Slowboat jazz club in Sapporo, which remains a central hub for jazz in the region.
- Fukui's debut album 'Scenery' is considered a cornerstone of Japanese jazz and has become iconic for its distinctive red cover.
- His music saw a dramatic resurgence in popularity after his death, largely due to internet sharing and reissues.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Hidehiko Matsumoto - Saxophonist who offered encouragement and guidance during Fukui's early years in Tokyo. (General guidance, not specific albums) [1970s]
- Barry Harris - American jazz pianist who became a close friend and mentor, helping Fukui develop his bebop technique. (Technique development, not specific albums) [1992 onwards]
Key Collaborators
- Yoshinori Fukui - Ryo's brother and drummer in his trio. (Scenery, Mellow Dream) [1976–1977]
- Satoshi Denpo - Bassist in Ryo Fukui's trio. (Scenery, Mellow Dream) [1976–1977]
- Leroy Williams - Drummer in Fukui's trio for 'In New York'. (In New York) [1998]
- Lisle Arthur Atkinson - Bassist in Fukui's trio for 'In New York'. (In New York) [1998]
Artists Influenced
- Local Sapporo jazz musicians and students - Fukui taught and mentored numerous local musicians through lessons and workshops at the Slowboat jazz club. (Lessons, workshops, live performances) [1995–2016]
- Contemporary Japanese jazz pianists - Fukui's albums, especially 'Scenery', have inspired a new generation of Japanese jazz musicians. (Scenery, Mellow Dream) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| シーナリィ | 1976 | Album |
| A Letter from Slowboat | 2016-02-17 | Album |
| My Favorite Tune | 2021-10-01 | Album |
| シーナリィ・オブ・ジャパニーズ・ジャズ：ベスト・オブ・福居良 | 2022-08-26 | Album |
| Ryo Fukui in New York | 1999-06-01 | Album |
| Ryo Fukui Trio at the Slowboat 2004 | 2025-09-24 | Album |
| マイ・フェイヴァリット・チューン | 2021-04-14 | Album |
| ア・レター・フロム・スローボート | 2021-04-14 | Album |
| リョウ・フクイ・イン・ニューヨーク | 2021-04-14 | Album |
| メロー・ドリーム (Remastered 2025) | 2025-09-24 | Album |
| シーナリィ (Remastered 2025) | 2025-09-24 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Early Summer (シーナリィ)
- It Could Happen To You (シーナリィ)
- I Want To Talk About You (シーナリィ)
- Scenery (シーナリィ)
- Autumn Leaves (シーナリィ)
- Sonora (A Letter from Slowboat)
- Willow Weep For Me (シーナリィ)
- ボディー・アンド・ソウル (Live at Vidro'77) (ライブ・アット・びーどろ'77)
- Horizon (メロー ドリーム)
- Stella by Starlight (A Letter from Slowboat)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Ryo Fukui has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 18, 2025 | 07:30 | Early Summer | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire | |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 06:15 | Early Summer | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |