Japanese Trio Rin' begins their US Tour

contents

world

Talented beauties of the unique female trio Rin' -- Mana, Tomoca and Chie -- are stars in their native Japan for their subtle and ethereal sound, which seamlessly blends the essence of traditional Japanese instruments with a framework of contemporary western popular music. Their U.S. debut album "Inland Sea" -- featuring guest vocals from Lisa Loeb and Leigh Nash -- was released on L.A.-based Domo Records last month. Now, the girls are embarking on a series of Stateside showcases at some of the country's hottest clubs, leading with dates in Los Angeles and New York that feature Loeb and Nash, respectively, to help celebrate Rin's first-ever U.S. tour.

Rin's initial showcase is set for Thursday, May 11 at Los Angeles' hip Westside venue Temple Bar, whose "Eastern meets Urban"-themed décor provides the perfect backdrop. The 9PM performance will feature special guest Lisa Loeb, who memorably vocalizes on "Inland Sea's" infectious lead single, "Anti Hero, " her voice dreamily dancing over Rin's gentle but staccato rhythms. Singer-songwriter Loeb is famously known for her 1994 debut #1 smash "Stay, " and her recent reality series "#1 Single" was an E! Channel hit.

In New York City, Rin' will be joined by special guest Leigh Nash for a 7PM showcase on Wednesday, May 17 at the lower East Side hotspot -- and former bodega -- Arlene's Grocery. Previously lead vocalist for Sixpence None The Richer, Nash is featured on three of "Inland Sea's" songs -- "I Never Knew What Love Meant, " "New Day Rising" and "Sea Of Tranquility, " her voice surfing effortlessly over Rin's atmospheric wave of sound.

Prior to the show at Arlene's Grocery, Rin' and Leigh Nash will travel to White Plains, New York to perform at Borders on May 16.

Rin's U.S. debut album "Inland Sea" was produced by rock/pop veteran Jimmy Harry (Kylie Minogue, Lisa Loeb, Lindsay Lohan, etc), who first saw Rin' play live in Tokyo in 2004. He remembers, "They really impressed me with their musicianship -- they're badass, they play so well." Mana, Tomoca and Chie -- who have all played music since childhood -- first met as students at Tokyo's National University of Fine Arts and Music. United by their love for timeless Japanese instruments as well as for western stars including Destiny's Child and John Lennon, they formed a group soon after graduating. "The thousand year spirit in our instruments, " says Rin', "has a soul that needs to be heard."

While they've performed major concerts throughout Asia and other parts of the world, Rin' has only played live in the United States twice -- once at Washington, D.C.'s famed Cherry Blossom Festival, and at NYC's Knitting Factory. Their upcoming showcases in Los Angeles and New York mark their first-ever tour of the U.S.

write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page