One of the only records we've ever heard from Japanese vocalist Minami Yasuda – a very soulful singer from the 70s, and one who really opens up with some scattingly creative energy on this date! Backings are from the trio of pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, which leaves plenty of space for Minami to do her thing – stretching out the words of the tunes with really great inflections, and adding plenty here even to oft-recorded selections. Titles include a great take on "Sunny", plus "It's Been A Long Long Time", "Akatonbo/Fly Me To The Moon", "Love", "Day By Day", and "You Are My Sunshine". CD

A real swinger of a record – one that features vocals and conga work by Koji Moriyama, with backing by the piano trio of Tsuyoshi Yamamoto! Given that Yamamoto's style is usually a bit more spare and laidback, it's nice to hear him grooving in a setting like this – as Moriyama's a hiply swinging vocalist, with a style that's clearly influenced by earlier work by Bobby Troup or Jackie Paris – never too over the top, but cool enough to swing in all the right spots! Vocals are in English, slightly accented, and titles include "For Once In My Life", "Night & Day", "The More I See You", "There'll Never Be Another You", and "Bye Bye Blackbird". (Jazz, Vocalists) CD