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One of the more unusual albums we've ever heard from Japanese vocalist Chiemi Eri – a set done in collaboration with the famous Delta Rhythm Boys quintet from the US – pictured here on the cover in unusual Japanese outfits! Backings are by the large group of Nobuo Hara, who really knows how to make the proceedings swing – and the set begins with Chiemi alone, first in a medley of tunes that includes "A Guy Is A Guy" and "C'Est Si Bon", then on a haunting version of "Sanosa" – a Japanese geisha song with a really soulful quality. Then, the Delta Rhythm Boys come in – and do this really cool job of harmonizing along with Chiemi's vocals – on titles that include "Marina", "Soran Bushi", and "It's Only A Paper Moon" – before Eri then cuts them loose, to sing on their own on tracks that include "Mack The Knife", "Historia De Un Amor", and "Alright OK You Win" – all surprisingly swinging, thanks to Hara!

Plenty of crazy rhythms here – as singers Chiemi Eri and Carl Jones are joined by Japanese jazzmen who include Nobuo Hara & His Sharps & Flats, saxophonists Sadao Watanabe and Sleepy Matsumoto, guitarist Shungo Sawada, and the Hideo Shiraki Quintet! The backings on all tracks are superb – and elevate the already-great team of Eri and Jones to a wonderful new level – one that easily matches some of the hippest vocal jazz sessions cut in the US during the same period, especially some of the more inventive albums on the soul jazz side of the spectrum. Titles include "The Big Twister", "My Funny Valentine", "Just Squeeze Me", "Love Is Here To Stay", "I Get A Kick Out Of You", and "Midnight Sun Will Never Set".

A rare postwar jazz treasure from Japan – one of those great 50s albums that bring together some of the rising talents on the Tokyo scene – almost as proof that, musically at least, Japan was really getting back on its feet! The range of talents here is great – and there's almost a Verve-like blend of swing and bop, small ensemble and big band – with material that includes "Barbaroa" and "Mago Uta" by Hiroshi Watanabe & His Star Dusters, "Memories Of You" and "Air Mail Special" from Shoji Suzuki & His Rhythm Aces, "The Main In The Raincoat" from Keiichiro Ebihara, "Stardust" from Chiemi Eri, "Mambo De Flute" and "Who Parks The Car" by Shin Watanabe & His Six Joes, and "Floor Show" from Nobuo Hara & His Sharps & Flats.