Description
Atsuko Niina's debut album, released by Teichiku in 1983. Consisting entirely of covers of Western songs, eight are performed with Japanese lyrics, while only the fifth track features English lyrics. Its reputation has soared in recent years among city pop and Japanese jazz fans, with copies fetching premium prices on the used market. Now, it is finally being reissued on clear vinyl!
The album features Japanese-language covers of Bossa Nova classics such as "One Note Samba," "The Girl from Ipanema," "Wave," and "Watermelon Sugar," as well as American popular music favorites like "Mr. Bojangles" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and Latin standards such as "Kiss Kiss Kiss" and "Bésame Mucho."
The sound production was handled by Jun Irie, who was active as Logic System at the time, while the arrangements were divided between Kazutaka Izumi, who was in The Square at the time, and Irie. The backing band featured The Square, along with guitarist Kenji Kitajima and others.
The entire album is filled with high-quality city pop and fusion sounds, with the high-speed samba arrangement of "MAN OR BOY (The Girl from Ipanema)" standing out in particular. It is a masterpiece of rare Japanese groove that would fit right into today's club jazz scene!
This album showcases her versatile vocals set to the innovative yet quintessential fusion sound of the era.
Liner notes: Kenji Kitajima, Kazutaka Izumi
(Original liner notes reproduced as is)
Original release: 1983 Teichiku GM-140
Original label: Teichiku Entertainment
Tracklist:
SIDE 1
1.COMMUNICATION (One Note Samba)
2.The Little Match Girl (Johnny Guitar)
3.LIAR (Kiss Kiss Kiss)
4.Mr. Bojangles
5.Bridge Over Troubled Water
SIDE 2
1.MAN OR BOY (The Girl from Ipanema)
2.Seductive Relationship (Bésame Mucho)
3.LET ME KISS (Wave)
4.Plaything (Watermelon Sugar)
5.Phantom Hand (Yellow Ribbon)
