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!
(SHM-CD pressing.)