Hikari Ichihara - Stardust (2007)

This is the third album by Hikari Ichihara, one of the hottest trumpeters in the jazz world. Continuing from the previous album, this time Hikari Ichihara recorded in a session with famous musicians representing New York. The album expresses the world of straight-ahead jazz. The selection of 9 songs includes many well-known standards and 2 of her own compositions that sound like standards. All songs were arranged by Hikari Ichihara. ~ cdjapan.co.jp. 

Stardust is the critically acclaimed third studio album by Japanese jazz trumpeter and vocalist Hikari Ichihara, released in May 2007. Recorded in New York, the album is considered her breakthrough work, showcasing her skill in both arranging standards and composing original pieces. Ichihara is backed by a highly regarded group of New York-based musicians: pianist Adam Birnbaum, bassist George Mraz and drummer Victor Lewis with added guests: alto sax & flautist Aaron Heick and tenorist Wayne Escoffery. 

After Beat/Pony Canyon Inc., PCCY-60006, 2007
Recorded in New York City 

Musicians:
Hikari Ichihara - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Aaron Heick - Alto Sax, Flute (#1,2,7)
Wayne Escoffery - Tenor Sax (#1,7)
Adam Birnbaum - Piano
George Mraz - Bass
Victor Lewis - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Blue Minor {Sonny Clark} (6:40)
2. Stardust {Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish} (5:27)
3. When You Wish Upon A Star {Leigh Harline, Ned Washington} (5:31)
4. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (7:06)
5. Flashback {Hikari Ichihara} (5:36)
6. I'll Wait For You [The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg] {Michel Legrand} (5:42)
7. Smile {Charlie Chaplin} (8:05)
8. I Remember Clifford {Benny Golson} (6:20)
9. And They Lived Happily Ever After {Hikari Ichihara} (6:05) 

Total Time: 55:36 

Credits:
Producer - Hikari Ichihara
Executive-Producer - Mitsuo Shimano, Yuzo Watanabe

LINK

Blue Minor

Hikari Ichihara - Sara Smile (2006)

Indeed, a very talented trumpeter has emerged. Hikari Ichihara's 2nd album was recorded in New York. Famous New York musicians (Dr: Louis Nash, B: Peter Washington, P: Adam Birnbaum, Sax: Grant Stewart, Tp: Dominic Farinacci). No matter what I say, the tone is wonderful. Both the trumpet and the flugelhorn have a really nice sound, especially the mid-bass. Her performances, which must have clearly learned the basics of classical music, will serve as a perfect role model for young people who are starting to develop an interest in jazz from brass bands. Not only that, but don't miss the improvised melody and astounding phrases that are sure to make her jazz-obsessed parents’ groan. There is a really pleasant flow of sound. She also says that 5 of the 9 songs are arranged by herself. Hmm. This is also amazing. Her song selection ranges from jazz standards (Cleopatra's Dream, It Could Happen to You, etc.) to pop hits (Fragile, Sara Smile, Close to you, etc.) and there is a great variety of original songs composed by her. It's a convincing album that earned her a Gold Disk from Swing Journal. ~ toppe2.web.fc2.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

Pony Canyon, PCCY-60003, 2006 

Musicians:
Hikari Ichihara - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Dominick Farinacci - Trumpet
Grant Stewart - Tenor Saxophone
Adam Birnbaum - Piano
Peter Washington - Bass
Lewis Nash - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Cleopatra’s Dream {Bud Powell} (6:03)
2. Fragile {Sting} (7:10)
3. Blue Prelude {Joe Bishop} (5:52)
4. It Could Happen To You {Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen} (4:55)
5. I’ve Got It {David Rose, Jack Teagarden} (8:49)
6. Sara Smile {John Oates, Daryl Hall} (5:44)
7. Golden Earrings {Ray Evans, Jay Livingston, Victor Young} (6:02)
8. Intro {Hikari Ichihara} (7:11)
9. Close To You {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (6:48) 

Total Time: 58:37 

Sara Smile