Akiko - Jazz Wo Yomu (2023)

akiko and Masatake Unno team up again! A timeless jazz style full of love for standards. Since her debut in 2001 as the first Japanese female singer on the prestigious jazz label Verve, akiko has pursued a musical style that defies boundaries and has demonstrated her talent in a wide range of fields outside of music. She has always been a unique presence in the Japanese jazz scene, while akiko, based in New York, has been favored by famous jazz legends such as Jimmy Cobb and Roy Hargrove, and has been active in the world jazz scene. Last year, Masatake Unno made his major label debut on the Verve label. Their encounter dates back to 2005, when akiko recorded a live album "Simply Blue". This is their first collaboration since that album, which is still popular among jazz fans, and is a studio recording album with top-notch jazz musicians whom they both trust.The songs are selected from jazz standards featured in akiko's 2018 essay "Composing Jazz - 25 Standard Numbers That Will Make Your Life Happy". The album, which includes the title track "Look for the Silver Lining," "East of the Sun," "For All We Know," and other standard favorites in an authentic style, is reminiscent of akiko's debut album, Girl Talk. The album includes akiko's well-known live original "Jazz-introducing "How High The Moon"" and Masatake Unno's original "Enjoy It While You Can" (lyrics by akiko/ Masatake Unno), which was also included on his Verve debut last year. (lyrics by akiko/Masatake Unno), which also appeared on Unno's Verve debut last year.He has performed with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter's group, and many other famous jazz musicians in Japan and abroad. The guest performer on the program will be the well-known U.S.-based guitarist, Masuo Yoshiaki, who is also a member of Sonny Rollins' band.