Although based in Seattle, the jazz singer Valerie Joyce was brought up in Yokohama, Japan. She was the daughter of a Japanese mother and an American father and was initially influenced by her mother's classical playing. After moving to Tacoma, Washington Joyce majored in music business at the University of Puget Sound. After being awarded a piano scholarship Joyce continued her musical studies for a further four years under the guidance of Dr. Steven Moore and Dr. Diane Abbot. The artists's interest in jazz started to grow during her time at Puget Sound and she augmented her studies by taking courses in jazz voice and keyboards. Following the completion of her education Joyce moved to Seattle and soon fell into the city's vibrant music scene, working in a shipping company during the day and gigging around the Seattle area at night. In 2002 she recorded her debut album 'Valerie' and released it on her own label. After the album received some positive reviews she was recommended to Chesky Records who subsequently signed her. Joyce's debut album for the label was 'New York Blue' released in 2006.
