[HEAVENESE]
HEAVENESE is a Gospel unit composed by Marré and Kumiko,
but was prompted to start its activities by the King of Gospel,
a 9-time Grammy Winner, Andraé Crouch.
In October 2012, their first EP was released world wide on
Sheila E’s Stilettoflats Music that fuses Japanese soul music and Black music
into a new art form previously not existing.
From the nation often referred to as “The Rising Sun,”
there has risen a brand new genre of music
with a promise to shine throughout the nations.
This alliance, comprised of 14 members with diverse careers and backgrounds,
has been brought together through an unchanging spirit.
It proclaims timeless truth, an aroma to the soul.
Marré : Lead Vocal & Piano
HEAVENESE leader, vocal, piano, song writer, and composer.
HEAVENESE leader, vocal, piano, song writer, and composer.
In his teens, Marré started the first free school of Japan, an alternative to the existing school system.
He became an activist and a pioneer in the free school movement that counters the uniformity of the Japanese educational circle.
In 1991, he released his first major album from a Polydor-related label. His song, “Pool of Siloam,” was chosen as one of the top ten Valentine’s Day special dedication songs.
In 1998, he started a multi-dimensional venue called “Kick Back Cafe.”
In 2000, he authored his first book, “Is This Really the Person for Me?” which became a bestseller.
With over 220,000 copies sold, it remains one of the more popular books in its field.
In November 2005, he met 8-time Grammy winner in Gospel music, Andrae Crouch, and started creating a new type of music unit, HEAVENESE, fusing traditional Japanese music with Black, Gospel, and R&B. In 2008, HEAVENESE’ first live performance was in Tokyo.
At the end of October 2011 they went on their first tour, which was to the LA area and was a great success.
Since then, they have successfully performed all over the world, including Israel and Dubai in the Middle East and (Ethiopia and Eritrea) inAfrica.
In April 2020, the YouTube program HEAVENESE Style (every Sunday night at 8pm) began due to the COVID 19 state of emergency. This show which is an educational and entertainment program full of information exposing Big Tech and Big Pharma has seen its viewership increased tenfold in one year.
The message delivered is an unwavering defense of the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion.
The show is currently experiencing a ban rate of 30%.
In December 2020, Marre also launched ”WeRise” to call on current members of the House of Councillors along with prominent scientists and doctors to organize an event to properly understand the Covid 19 pandemic and to issue a joint statement to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare that “a paper proving the existence of the coronavirus should be presented.”
He is also an opinion leader on infectious disease control issues, including serving as an assistant intervenor in a lawsuit seeking revocation of the special exception approval of Covid 19 Vacccine.
Currently, in addition to being a musician, counselor and writer, he is a pastor of Committed Japan where he delivers his messages mainly at Kick Back Cafe.
He is also well versed in ethnic history, lecturing and touring as a researcher on the similarities between the Bible and the beliefs brought by ancient migratory tribes led by the powerful Hata clan.
His “Bible Reality” lectures, in which he discusses world affairs from a biblical perspective, are also gaining popularity.
Kumiko : Lead Vocal
As a 15 year old, Kumiko went to the US. She sang in her high school’s choir and began dancing. With hip-hop as her main genre, she was mentored by and worked alongside the renowned Regina Williams, and went on to pursue a career as a dancer and a fitness-instructor in Japan and the US.
Since marrying Marré in 1996, she has worked alongside him, appeared in his concerts as a vocalist and assisted in his counseling. In 2005, she was called by Kaori Nara Turner to be part of the Living History of Kimono fashion show in Hollywood.
Ikki : Drums
A graduate from a renowned Japanese music college, became a Heavenese member shortly after uninvitedly jumping behind the drum and playing with the band during an event.
dy : Bass
After his dramatic encounter with Marré, he changed his outlet of expression from beer bottles to the bass guitar.
Naoya : Sax
Jazz is in his blood, his grandfather was a famous clarinet player in Japan and his uncle a trombone player.
Maki : Background Vocal
Studied piano and graduated from the most elite music school in Japan, centers her post-graduate music career around being a vocalist of HEAVENESE, while working on her own career.
Lue: Lue Egami (Japanese drum)
Rue Egami began playing taiko at the age of 15, and began performing in 2001. His specialty is the use of flexible arms and narimono. He also performs live in plays, appears in movies, and performs in Japan and abroad.
Motoki: Motoki Morinaga (Tsugaru Shamisen)
Motoki Morinaga began learning shamisen and nihon buyo (traditional Japanese dance) at an early age.
After numerous performances, he released his first DVD “Sou-sou” in 2010 and his second DVD “Deux VISAGES” in 2013.
In the same year, she also released the industry’s first DVD music clip in which she choreographed and performed a song she composed herself.
With his unique style of “song, dance, and performance,” he has been promoting Japanese traditional performing arts to the world.
In March 2013, they held a charity performance to support the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and they are also making efforts in social contribution activities.
Joined HEAVENESE in September 2017.
> Motoki Morinaga Official Website
Tomoko:Tomoko Okado (Koto)
Studied koto, 17-stringed instrument, shamisen, ogokyumi, kokyu, and jiuta under koto players Kasumi Hattori and Noriko Koike.
Completed the 55th term of NHK Traditional Japanese Music Technicians Training Course. 2013 Michio Miyagi National Commemorative Contest, Excellent Prize.
November, 2013 Solo performance of Koto at “The 62nd Shikinen Sengu at Ise Jingu Shrine” (Ise Jingu Shimogu Sengu).
(At the Noh stage of the Ise Jingu Shimogu Sengu-kan, Kotodama-ike Pond) Joined HEAVENESE in April 2015.
Yuta: Yuta Midoro (shakuhachi)
Born in Hokkaido, Japan. Influenced by his parents, he grew up with classical music and discovered shakuhachi in a Japanese music circle at university.
Studied under Kuniyoshi Sugawara and moved to Tokyo to become a professional player.
A lover of heavy metal and a fan of Metallica, his creed is “playing with the voice in mind.
A new generation of heavensee, reminiscent of a fusion of modern rock and kobudo.
Tenryu Taiko (drums, perc)
Birthplace: Shizuoka Prefecture He first met Heavenese in 2011, when he joined the stage crew of his former band Tenryu at Shibuya O-EAST to utilize his experience as a drum player and drum craftsman.
In 2017, he joined HEAVENESE as a drummer for a few songs at the outdoor Ethiopian festival at Tokyo Big Sight.
He will officially take the stage as a taiko player at the Heavenese Bridge in 2022.
At the opening of Kanda Myojin Hall, he played the role of Freddie Mercury of the legendary rock band Queen in the “Revived Hero” section of the play, and later appeared as Freddie in “Corona Rhapsody,” a representative social satire song of the Heavenese style.
He has continued to appear in various productions since then.
Kassar:Manabu Kasamatsu (keyboard)
Manabu Kasamatsu was strongly influenced by the Beatles when he was a child, which awakened his interest in music.
Since then, he has experienced live performances and recordings with various bands and musicians through piano and Hammond organ. She has performed live concerts and appeared on TV as a member of the backing band of soul singers Ruriko Ohgami & Jennifer.
Performed as a back band member of gospel singer “Tadashi Kosaka” at halls, churches, and live houses throughout Japan.
Arranged music and played piano and organ for the CD “In Your Hands”. Formed a self-lead group “BIGEASY” consisting of 15 members. Released an all original CD “Oh Shiny Day”. All compositions, arrangements, and performances. etc…
Currently active in jazz, gospel, funk, soul, pop, etc., with a focus on original music.
March 2022: Joined HEAVENESE.
Sue: Yoshinori Suzuki (percussion)
Born in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture.
Graduated from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Department of Instrumental Music, Percussion 2004 Noriyuki Makihara ~cELEBRATION Concert tour 2004~.
2005 Performed and taught percussion as an extra percussionist in the chorus group of “Ditto 2005-”.
2006 Marching Snare for “DREAMS COME TRUE” at the 57th Kohaku Uta Gassen 2010 Participated in International Percussion Festival in Seoul(IPFS) as Tomoyuki Okada Percussion Ensemble
2011 Participated in Taiwan International Percussion Convention(TIPC) with Tomoyuki Okada Percussion Ensemble
2016 Performed at La Folle Journée Niigata “Day of Enthusiasm” Music Festival 2016 (ppp), 2017 Instructed and performed on Nippon Television Network Corporation’s “Sekai no Hatto de Itte Q!” (ppp), and also gives nearly 100 school performances a year throughout Japan, focusing on emotional education for children.
She is also certified as an instructor by the Sugar Free Style Association.
Percussion Peformance Players (PPP) Tomoyuki Okada Percussion Ensemble Members He joined HEAVENESE IKKI as a tiger in February 2014, and has been playing with the group ever since.
PRODUCERS
Andraé Crouch : Producer
I thank the Lord for the day I met Marré and Kumiko. It was an appointment scheduled by God. I feel like they're my children. Their love has been engraved in our heart and there to stay. Every time we meet, we are like family. I'm excited about being a part of HEAVENESE. Their music is so different and innovative, but so fresh and cool. It's true worship. We pray that no one misses it.
Sheila E. : Label Producer
Sheila E. was a member of Prince's band. As a solo performer, her big hit was Glamorous Life in 1985. She is considered by many to be one of the top percussionists. Currently she is a member of DIVA. She has performed at the White House at the request of President Obama. Along with her brothers and her father, Latin jazz great Pete Escovedo they comprised the group The E Family. She started her own record label, Stiletoflats Music, under which HEAVENESE released their CD.
Marré : Lead Vocal & Piano
HEAVENESE leader, vocal, piano, song writer, and composer. In his teens, Marré started the first free school of Japan, an alternative to the existing school system.He became an activist and a pioneer in the free school movement that counters the uniformity of the Japanese educational circle. In 1991, he released his first major album from a Polydor-related label. His song, "Pool of Siloam," was chosen as one of the top ten Valentine's Day special dedication songs. In 1998, he started a multi-dimensional venue called "Kick Back Cafe." In 2000, he authored his first book, "Is This Really the Person for Me?"which became a best seller.With over 170,000 copies sold, it remains one of the more popular books in its field. Currently, in addition to being a musician, Marré pastors and leads worship services at Kick Back Cafe, writes books, provides marital counseling, and performs seminars. His seminar,"The Difference Between Men and Women, The Psychology of Relationships" has received acclaim.
Kumiko : Lead Vocal
As a 15 year old, Kumiko went to the US. She sang in her high school's choir and began dancing. With hip-hop as her main genre, she was mentored by and worked alongside the renowned Regina Williams, and went on to pursue a career as a dancer and a fitness-instructor in Japan and the US. Since marrying Marré in 1996, she has worked alongside him, appeared in his concerts as a vocalist and assisted in his counseling. In 2005, she was called by Kaori Nara Turner to be part of the Living History of Kimono fashion show in Hollywood.