Atsuko Nina's debut album, originally released by Teichiku in 1983, has finally been reissued on clear vinyl! Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years among fans of city pop and Japanese jazz, and it's become a premium item on the secondhand market.
The album covers a wide range of songs, from bossa nova classics such as "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Oishii Mizu," to American popular songs such as "Mr. Bojangles" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," as well as Latin classics such as "Kisses Kisses Kisses" and "Besame Mucho," with lyrics replaced in Japanese.
The sound was produced by Jun Irie, who was active in Logic System, and the arrangements were shared with Hirotaka Izumi, who was then a member of The Square. And of course, The Square and guitarist Kenji Kitajima also participated in the backing. The album features high-quality city pop and fusion sounds throughout, with the most striking track being the high-speed samba arrangement of "MAN OR BOY (Girl from Ipanema)." A rare groove masterpiece of Japanese music that would still hold up in today's club jazz scene! Enjoy her versatile vocals set against the innovative yet typical fusion sound of the time. Liner notes: Kenji Kitajima, Hirotaka Izumi (original liner notes reprinted).
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A:
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1)
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Communication (ワン・ノート・サンバ)
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2)
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マッチ売りの少女 (ジャニー・ギター)
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3)
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Lair (キサス・キサス・キサス)
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4)
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Mr. ボージャングルス
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5)
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明日に架ける橋 (Bridge Over Troubled Water)
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B:
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1)
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Man Or Boy (イパネマの娘)
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2)
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艶しい関係 (ベサメ・ムーチョ)
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3)
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Let Me Kiss (ウェイブ)
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4)
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戯び (おいしい水)
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5)
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幻の手 (幸福せの黄色いリボン)
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Art Direction, Design - Yoshihiro Matsumoto (2)
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Engineer - Hideo Nishi
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Producer, Directed By - Toshiyuki Nakashita
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Sounds [Produced & Directed by] - Jun Irie
