上杉洋史(うえすぎ ひろし)
作編曲家・ピアニスト・マルチインストゥルメンタリスト
1964年7月10日北海道生まれ東京育ち。幼稚園でオルガンを習い、耳で聞いたメロディを鍵盤で弾くことが好きだった。小学校に上がり、電子オルガンのレッスンを3年ほど受ける、中学生の時に初めてアナログシンセサイザーを購入し、カセットテープレコーダーを使った録音を楽しむようになる。高校生の時にマルチキーボーディストへの憧れからピアノに興味を持ち、独学でピアノを始める。
大学時代にはモダンジャズ研究会に所属し、ピアノトリオを組んで活動する傍ら、高校時代の友人とインストゥルメンタルのバンドを結成し、ライブハウスで自作の曲を演奏。
1987年にハーフトーンミュージックのミュージシャンズオーディションに合格、キーボーディストとしての活動を開始する。以降ピアニスト、キーボーディスト、作曲家、アレンジャーとして多くのアーティストのライブサポートやレコーディングのアレンジ、スタジオでの演奏などに参加している。
1997年にリチャード・カーペンターの日本でのソロツアーにキーボーディストとして参加。2006年にはAKB48のデビューシングル「桜の花びらたち」を作曲。2011年にはスティングの『STING SYMPHONICITY JAPAN TOUR』の日本公演に東京ニューシティ管弦楽団と共にピアニストとして参加。その他にもアニメ版「きんいろモザイク」の主題歌とエンディングテーマ(歌:Rhodanthe*)の編曲を担当したり、D-LITE (form BIG BANG) 「D'slove」ツアーにキーボーディストとして参加した。
2007年より岩崎宏美コンサートツアーにピアニスト・アレンジャーとして在籍中。岩崎宏美ソロコンサートツアーをはじめ、オーケストラ公演、野口五郎・岩崎宏美プレミアムコンサート、宝くじ街の音楽会 岩崎宏美・岩崎良美〜ふれあいコンサートなどに編曲とピアノで参加している。
2016年よりNHK「うたコン」に音楽監督・アレンジャーとして参加中。以降紅白歌合戦、ライブエール、わが心の大阪メロディーなどを始めとするNHKのその他の音楽番組にも、音楽監督やアレンジャーとして参加している。
HIROSHI UESUGI
Composer, Arranger, Pianist, Multi-Instrumentalist
Introducing Hiroshi Uesugi, a celebrated composer, arranger, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Hokkaido, Japan. Born in 1964, Hiroshi set foot into the world of music at the tender age of 6, attending a private music school where he focused on mastering the electronic organ. Seeking a more free-flowing expression of music, Hiroshi chose to leave music education at 9, embarking on a self-taught musical journey.
Upon moving to Tokyo with his family at the age of 10, Hiroshi deepened his self-guided study, becoming adept at the electronic organ and piano. His adolescence saw an introduction to the world of synthesizers as he bought his first small analog synthesizer during junior high school. It became a tool for Hiroshi to explore and record a vast range of music and sound effects.
After graduating from high school, Hiroshi took a slightly different path and attended Tokyo Denki University, renowned for its focus on science and technology. Despite the scientific milieu, Hiroshi's passion for music remained undiminished. He found a creative outlet in a jazz society, where he performed as part of a piano trio. Simultaneously, he reunited with his high school friends to form an instrumental band, which provided him a platform to showcase his own original compositions. This period in Hiroshi's life highlighted his ability to intertwine his pursuit of science and technology and his devotion to music, reflecting his multifaceted talents.
Upon graduation from the university, Hiroshi decided to elevate his musical journey to the next level. He took part in a challenging audition for professional musicians, with determination and honed talent guiding him. Impressively, Hiroshi passed the rigorous evaluation, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This significant achievement opened the door to the professional music world, setting the stage for Hiroshi to begin his exciting journey as a professional musician.
With over 30 years in the professional music industry, Hiroshi's vast range of experience spans roles as a pianist, composer, and arranger, collaborating with numerous Japanese musicians and singers.
A milestone in Hiroshi's career was in 2006 when he composed "Sakura no Hanabiratachi", the debut single for AKB48.
In 2011, Hiroshi launched his first solo piano mini-album titled "Spring Is Here" Available on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, the album features three songs: "Spring is Here", "Sweet Little Eyes", and "Early Flowering Cherry Blossoms"
That same year, Hiroshi had the remarkable opportunity to join Sting's Symphonicities Tour in Japan as a pianist for the Tokyo New City Orchestra, a profound experience that left an indelible mark on his musical journey. Hiroshi's diverse skills were showcased when he arranged the opening and ending themes for the anime "Kin-iro Mosaic" (sung by Rhodanthe*), and when he joined D-LITE (from BIG BANG) 's "D'slove" tour as a keyboardist.
Hiroshi's comprehensive experience and innate passion for music culminate in his role as a versatile and accomplished musician. He is committed to crafting inspiring and exquisite music that resonates with listeners.
Since 2007, Hiroshi has been bringing his expertise as a pianist and arranger to Hiromi Iwasaki's concert tours. Additionally, since 2016, he has been shaping the musical landscape as the music director and arranger for NHK Utacon, continually expanding his artistic influence.
Recently, Hiroshi has applied his versatile arranging skills to notable TV music shows. These include the celebrated NHK Kouhaku Utagassen, a New Year's Eve music show that has become a tradition in Japanese households, Waga Kokoro no Osaka Melody a program that pays tribute to the charm of Osaka's local music. His contributions to these shows underscore his continued impact in the music industry and dedication to promoting music appreciation.