Akiko Grace - Tokyo (2004)

This is a good album that includes some dynamic songs, but also some sounds that create a calm atmosphere. After listening to jazz for a while, I feel that only talented artists can play calm songs. The arrangement is based on a piano trio, with strings and shakuhachi. This album is a departure from the theme of "Japaneseness" by a pianist who lived in New York. As soon as you hear the sound of the shakuhachi in songs like "A Hazy Moonlit Night," you are drawn into a different world from "chic jazz." You can feel a transience that is different from that of the flute. The nostalgic melodies of “Kagome Kagome” are easy to listen to. I think the familiar melodies of "Harusaki Kobeni" and "Shima Uta" will fit your ears well. I think this album is familiar to people other than jazz fans. And yet, it also includes songs that jazz fans are likely to be familiar with, such as "Giant Step" and "Donna Lee". "Tokyo Rhapsody" is a powerful original song, and I think people who are not familiar with Akiko Grace will enjoy it. "Eternal Road" also has a sense of grand scale with strings in the background. As the title suggests, it is a song that could be used as the background for some travel program, and makes you think, "Is this what eternity feels like?" It is said that you will forget that it is a jazz album. I recommend "Donna Lee", Charlie Parker's favorite piece is performed without brass. The beat created by Kiyoto Fujiwara's bass gives the song a sense of tension. Her fans should definitely give this album a listen. ~ Amazon.com. 

Savoy Records, COCB-53128, 2004
Recorded 22nd Nov-10th Dec, 2003 at Columbia Akasaka Studios, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Akiko Grace - Piano
Kiyoto Fujiwara - Bass
Tappy Iwase - Drums
Guests:
Dozan Fujiwara - Shakuhachi (#8,10)
Chieko Kinbara - Strings
Toshihiro Nakanishi - Violin (#4,13) 

Tracks:
01. Prelude ~ Kagome Kagome [Short Version] {Traditional} (1:29)
02. Tokyo Rhapsody {Akiko Grace} (5:58)
03. Harusaki Kobeni {Traditional} (6:43)
04. Eternal Road {Akiko Grace} (5:14)
05. Memory {Akiko Grace} (4:46)
06. In Front Of The Skywheel {Akiko Grace} (5:47)
07. Donna Lee {Charlie Parker} (3:44)
08. A Hazy Moonlit Night {Traditional} (4:51)
09. Shima Uta [Island Song] {Traditional} (6:30)
10. Kurosawa {Akiko Grace} (4:45)
11. Giant Steps {John Coltrane} (5:20)
12. Calmness {Akiko Grace} (6:13)
13. First Light ~ Secretary {Akiko Grace} (5:44)
14. Kagome Kagome [Long Version] {Traditional} (5:25) 

Total Time: 72:33 

Credits:
Producer - Akiko Grace, Ken Komoguchi
Recording Engineer - Genichi Kitami, Toshiyasu Shiozawa
Mixing Engineer - Dan Gellert 

Eternal Road

Akiko Grace - Jazz Street ~ The Duo+ (2002)

Here we have another wonderful session by the talented Akiko Grace. For this album she assembles an enthralling group of prestigious Japanese players in composite array of duo performances. Each guest shares two tunes with Akiko and then she finalises the album with a solo. The first duo performer is violinist Tetsuro Kawashima, followed by bassist Kiyoto Fujiwara, flutist Rie Akagi, guitarist Yoshiro Nakamura and completing the cycle with saxophonist Tetsuro Kawashima. The selection of compositions is mixture of standards, three of Akiko's own and both Kiyoto Fujiwara and Tetsuro Kawashima contribute one each. The album concept works well the listener is treated to a showcase of styles and Akiko's ability to compliment the other players truly display her versatility and immense talent, enjoy! 

Savoy Records, COCB-53031, 2002 

Musicians:
Akiko Grace - Piano, Solo (#11)
Tetsuro Kawashima - Saxophone (#9,10)
Rie Akagi - Flute (#5,6)
Yoshiro Nakamura – Guitar, vocals (#7,8)
Kiyoto Fujiwara - Bass (#3,4)
Toshihiro Nakanishi - Violin (#1,2) 

Tracks:
01. Cinema Paradiso {Ennio Morricone} (6:09)
02. So Be It {Akiko Grace} (6:50)
03. Rain {Kiyoto Fujiwara} (8:12)
04. When I Fall In Love {Victor Young} (8:06)
05. Straight No Chaser {Thelonious Monk} (4:08)
06. Como Fué {Ernesto Duarte} (5:20)
07. Estate {Bruno Martino, Bruno Brighetti} (6:48)
08. Triste {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (5:41)
09. My Soul {Tetsuro Kawashima} (6:58)
10. White Roses For You {Akiko Grace} (8:39)
11. Pulse Fiction [Take 1] {Akiko Grace} (5:33) 

Total Time: 72:31 

My Soul

Akiko Grace - New York Style (2003)

This is the final work in the New York trilogy of original albums, following "From New York" and "Manhattan Story." Contains 12 songs selected from a wide range of songs, including Van Halen's hit "Jump", "Greensleeves", and works by Bach. For Akiko Grace, who has made many strides in her career, this work is a challenge to her "own individuality." This work reveals its true value. ~ www.hmv.co.jp/ 

This is a highly personal album that brings out the creativity of Akiko Grace herself. While making full use of advanced arrangement and performance techniques, she has achieved a level of perfection that is not difficult to understand! The songs include a newly written original ballad "Pray Song ~ For Ground Zero", and the 80's blockbuster rock number "Jump" (Van Halen's cover). This time, she is backed by Larry Grenadier on bass and Bill Stewart on drums. ~ www.cdjapan.co.jp. [Translated from Japanese] 

Savoy Records, COCB-53050, 2003
Recorded 20th & 21st April, 2003 at Avatar Studio C, New York 

Musicians:
Akiko Grace - Piano
Larry Grenadier - Bass
Bill Stewart - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Jump {Van Halen} (6:34)
02. Chromazone {Akiko Grace} (5:09)
03. Greensleeves {Traditional} (6:36)
04. Smile {Charlie Chaplin} (5:15)
05. Caravan {Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Juan Tizol} (4:25)
06. Siciliano Through My Eyes {J.S. Bach, Akiko Grace} (6:09)
07. Scarborough Fair {Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon} (5:03)
08. Pray Song ~ For Ground Zero {Akiko Grace} (6:07)
09. Sixth Sense {Akiko Grace} (5:18)
10. Transition [Future Mix] {John Coltrane} (4:24)
11. Breathe Out {Akiko Grace} (6:31)
12. Body And Soul {Eyton, Green, Heyman, Sour} (2:29) 

Total Time: 64:05

Credits:
Producer - Akiko Grace
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Dan Gellert
Assistant Engineer - Aya Takemura, Kyoko Tamanki
Mastering Engineer - Hiroyuki Hosaka
Art Direction - Kiyomitsu Mihara
Artwork Design - Jun Takagi
Photography - Hisashi Itoh 

Chromazone

Saori Yano - Best (2007) [CD + DVD]

Here we have a wonderful compilation drawn from Saori's albums pre-dating 2007. The CD is made up of thirteen choice tracks, and included is I &I, not released on her studio albums, but from an advertising promotion that brought her further fame. Incorporated in the fantastic package is a DVD that showcases video frontage of that commercial, as well as four other promotional videos. These clips give the Saori fan an insight as to the formidable company she was associated with throughout those classic early years. Looking back, she hung out with an assemblage of great jazz musicians during her recording tenure in New York City. The reader can easily see from personnel listed that she gave and was given great respect when performing. In this regard, it is important to note that she is not just a player, but also a fine composer and to this extent within this selection are five of her own tunes. Listeners can only marvel this brilliant jazz musician on the job at such an early age, enjoy! 

Savoy Records, COZY 263 + COZY 264, 2007 

Yano Saori (2003)
#5,10
02 (2004)
#2,4,11,13
Sakura Stamp (2005)
#1,3,12
Groovin' High (2006)
#6,8,9
DVD "ASIENCE" TV-CF
#7 

Musicians:
Saori Yano - Alto Saxophone
Nicholas Payton - Trumpet (#1,3,12)
Randy Brecker - Trumpet (#6,8,9)
Slide Hampton - Trombone (#6,8,9)
Eric Alexander - Tenor Saxophone (#1,3,4,12)
Jimmy Heath - Tenor Saxophone (#6,8,9)
James Moody - Tenor Saxophone, Flute (#6,8,9)
Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone (#6,8,9)
Masaaki Imaizumi - Piano (#5,6,8,9,10)
Harold Mabern - Piano (#2,4,11,13)
Mike LeDonne - Organ (#1,3,12)
Peter Bernstein - Guitar (#1-3,11-13)
Shin Kamimura - Bass (#5,10)
Nat Reeves - Bass (#2,4,11,13)
Ray Drummond - Bass (#6,8,9)
Masahiko Osaka - Drums (#5,10)
Joe Farnsworth - Drums (#1-4,11-13)
Adam Nussbaum - Drums (#6,8,9)

Tracks:
01. Donna Lee {Charlie Parker} (1:55)
02. Sand And Skirt {Saori Yano} (6:56)
03. Crazy He Calls Me {Bob Russell, Carl Sigmon} (7:56)
04. RIZLLA {Saori Yano} (5:32)
05. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (6:51)
06. Manteca {Dizzy Gillespie} (6:55)
07. I & I {Saori Yano} (3:58)
08. Greenism {Saori Yano} (4:44)
09. My Ideal {Newell Chase, Richard A. Whiting} (6:10)
10. How To Make A Pearl {Saori Yano} (4:14)
11. Lover Man {Roger Ram Ramirez, Jimmy Davis} (6:13)
12. Tico Tico {Zequinha Abreu} (5:31)
13. Open Mind {Takashi Matsunaga} (4:37) 

Total Time: 71:38 

DVD:
1. I & I {Saori Yano} (Movie)
2. Greenism {Saori Yano} (PV)
3. I Got Rhythm {George Gershwin} (PV)
4. RIZILLA {Saori Yano} (Movie)
5. How To Make A Pearl {Saori Yano} (PV) 

Crazy He Calls Me

Saori Yano - Little Tiny (2007)

Saori started playing alto saxophone in a brass band at the age of nine. She was enthralled by the music and playing of Charlie Parker and got quite obsessed with jazz. At the age of 14, she was captivated by Billie Holiday's autobiography and so started her live activities by negotiating to appear at a jazz club. In September 2003, she made her sensational debut at the age of 16 and as the second Japanese artist to be signed to the prestigious Savoy jazz label. In the spring of 2007, she appeared in a commercial as a new Asian beauty of Kao "Asience". She recorded the original song "I & I" used in the commercial, and with her first best album at the age of 20 won the 22nd Japan Gold Disc Award and Jazz Album of the Year. Overall, she got a lot of attention beyond the boundaries of jazz. From that time on she earnestly worked on "Bebop", the origin of modern jazz, and at the same time performed live not only in Japan but also in New York. By enlarge, she made the world aware of the coming of a new generation of jazz. In this regard, this album is a testament of her talent/s as a bright new emerging star in the jazz world today! 

Savoy Records, COCB-53685, 2007
Recorded 26th & 27th September, 2007 at Clinton Recording Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Saori Yano - Alto Saxophone
Doctor Lonnie Smith - Organ [Hammond] (#1-9)
Yuta Kaneko - Organ [Hammond] (#10)
Peter Bernstein - Guitar (#1-9)
Yoshihiko Hosono - Guitar (#10)
Lewis Nash - Drums (#1-9)
Nobuyuki Komatsu - Drums (#10)
Hibari Misora - Vocals (#10) 

Tracks:
01. My Baby Shot Me Down {Saori Yano} (8:18)
02. Split Kick {Horace Silver} (6:43)
03. Close To You {Burt Bacharach} (7:27)
04. She Rote {Charlie Parker} (5:30)
05. Velvet Easter {Yumi Arai} (6:36)
06. Boplicity {Cleo Henry} (8:35)
07. Pardon Lucy {Saori Yano} (7:46)
08. KC Blues {Charlie Parker} (8:42)
09. Danny Boy {Irish Folk Song} (5:31)
10. Take The "A" Train {Billy Strayhorn} (3:49) * 

Total Time: 69:03

* Special Tribute Track 

Boplicity

Saori Yano - Groovin' High (2006)

Saori Yano, celebrated her 20th birthday on 27th October, 2006, and released this album "Groovin' High" that marks the end of her teenage years and the start of her 20s and beyond. The theme of this, her fifth album as leader is based around jazz expression in an ensemble format utilizing such jazz greats as: Randy Brecker (tp), Slide Hampton (tb), Jimmy Heath (ts), James Moody (ts,fl), Gary Smulyan (bs), Masaaki Imaizumi (p), Ray Drummond (b) and Adam Nussbaum (ds) in a mode reminiscent of her much loved and admired Dizzy Gillespie, whom was equally noted for his own big band groupings. Recorded at Clinton Studio, New York, Saori chose as her setlist a vivid array of well-known jazz standards. Listeners of Saori, even at this early age can truly appreciate her versatile and expansive performance/s, whilst accompanied by the some of the best modern day jazz masters. Her prowess lies in her ability to express herself freely at the same time showcasing her virtuosity, laying down the ground to be recognised as a bright new contender in the jazz world today. Overall, for any jazz fan this album serves as one not to be overlooked, enjoy! 

Savoy Records, COCB-53576, 2006
Recorded 22nd-23rd July, 2006 at Clinton Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Saori Yano - Alto Saxophone
Randy Brecker - Trumpet
Slide Hampton - Trombone
Jimmy Heath - Tenor Saxophone
James Moody - Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone
Masaaki Imaizumi - Piano
Ray Drummond - Bass
Adam Nussbaum - Drums 

Featured Personnel:
01. Speak Low with Slide Hampton & Randy Brecker
02. Manteca with Full Band
03. My Ideal with Quartet
04. Greenism with Quartet
05. Over The Rainbow with Quartet
06. Groovin' High with Full Band
07. Corcovado with James Moody & Gary Smulyan
08. There Will Never Be Another You with James Moody
09. Billie's Bounce with James Moody
10. Song Of The Seashore with Full Band 

Tracks:
01. Speak Low {Kurt Weill} (9:20)
02. Manteca {Dizzy Gillespie} (6:56)
03. My Ideal {Newell Chase, Richard A. Whiting} (6:11)
04. Greenism {Saori Yano} (4:44)
05. Over The Rainbow {Harold Arlen} (6:43)
06. Groovin' High {Dizzy Gillespie} (6:50)
07. Corcovado {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (7:46)
08. There Will Never Be Another You {Harry Warren, Mack Gordon} (6:37)
09. Billie's Bounce {Charlie Parker} (3:35)
10. 浜辺の歌 [Song Of The Seashore] {Tamezō Narita} (6:28) 

Total Time: 65:16 

Credits:
Producer - Hiroyuki Okano
Artist Management, Co-producer - Haruki Naoi
Recording Engineer - Bryan Smith
Assistant Recording Engineer - Sheldon Yellowhair
Mixing Engineer - Toshiyasu Shiozawa
Assistant Mixing Engineer - Masumi Iwata
Mastering Engineer - Hiroshi Sato
Art Direction, Design - Ikkun Hagi
Inner Editor - Hiroshi Ajimoto
Photography - Nicci Keller 

Groovin' High

Yano Saori - Yano Saori (2003)

Nimble, Fresh And Neat
=====================
Saori Yano seems to be a genius girl and a very serious performer at the same time. While he is good at Charlie Parker's works, unlike Parker who seems to have been devastating, he might be close to Coltrane in character in a jazz-critic style. That means practicing seriously, honing your skills, and playing hard. Some people seem to be negative for Mr. Coltrane's playing posture, but why is it bad? Saori Yano tries to make every single sound. It is a serious and neat performance. Her staple “Confirmation”, which is now always requested for live performances, sounds neatly and neatly, while playing at a faster tempo than Mr. Parker's performance. There is lightness and freshness. A good performance that makes you want to listen again as many times as you like. Great. By the way, it makes me listen to a more thrilling and powerful incandescent performance in the live, but that's why the performance of this CD will never fade forever. It is a performance that makes me think so. ~ Amazon Customer, 5 Stars, Amazon.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

Savoy Records, COCB-53061, 2003
Recorded 23rd March, 2003 at Columbia Studio No.2 (#1,2,7)
Recorded 7th & 8th April, 2003 at Columbia Studio No.2 (#3-6,8-11) 

Musicians:
Saori Yano - Alto Saxophone
Keiji Matsushima - Trumpet (#5,7,9)
Harold Mabern - Piano (#1,2,7)
Masaaki Imaizumi - Piano (#3-6,8-11)
Nat Reeves - Bass (#1,2,7)
Shin Kamimura - Bass (#3-6,8-11)
Joe Farnsworth - Drums (#1,2,7)
Masahiko Osaka - Drums (#3-6,8-11) 

Tracks:
01. Confirmation {Charlie Parker} (4:51)
02. Blue Bossa {Kenny Dorham} (5:41)
03. When You're Smiling {Joe Goodwin, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher} (5:45)
04. How To Make A Pearl {Saori Yano} (4:12)
05. My Little Suede Shoes {Charlie Parker} (4:35)
06. Black Orpheus {Luiz Bonfá} (6:26)
07. Bohemia After Dark {Oscar Pettiford} (5:19)
08. Marmaduke {Charlie Parker} (3:24)
09. Hoyden {Saori Yano} (7:23)
10. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (6:48)
11. It Could Happen To You {Jimmy van Heusen, Johnny Burke} (3:57) 

Total Time: 58:21 

Bohemia After Dark

Saori Yano - Gloomy Sunday (2008)

50th anniversary commemorative project dedicated to the beloved Billie Holiday. Saori Yano's saxophone sings the song of the beloved Billy Holiday with sorrow. Gloomy Sunday Saori Yano's Tribute To Billie Holiday. For Saori Yano, reading her biography of Billie Holiday at the age of 14 also inspired her to enter the world of jazz, and she is the most respected jazz singer. Saori Yano has completed a tribute album in which Billy's repertoire is sung with her unique tone and her singing alto saxophone, with a gorgeous strings orchestra arranged by Neko Saito as the background. This is just a homage to Billy from the 21st century. This work is Saori Yano's first high-quality HQCD specification. 

Savoy Records, COCB-53752, 2008
Recorded 23rd & 24th July, 2008 at Avaco Creative Studio No. 301, Tokyo, Japan 

Personnel:
Saori Yano - Alto Saxophone
Yuta Kaneko - Organ [Hammond] (#3,4,5,7,9)
Masaki Hayashi - Piano (#1)
Hideo Ichikawa - Piano (#8)
Natsuki Kido - Electric Guitar (#6)
Yoshihiko Hosono - Guitar (#7)
Tomio Inoue - Bass (#5,6)
Masahiro Tajika - Drums
Tomoyuki Asakawa - Harp (#2)
Neko Saito - Violin (#6,8)
Great Eida Strings (#1,3,5,7,9) 

Tracks:
01. Don't Explain {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr.} (5:53)
02. Yesterdays {Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach} (4:26)
03. Lover Man {Jimmy Davis, Roger "Ram" Ramirez, James Sherman} (6:00)
04. Everything Happens To Me {Tom Adair, Matt Dennis} (5:02)
05. Night And Day {Cole Porter} (5:46)
06. Summertime {George Gershwin} (8:05)
07. Gloomy Sunday {Rezső Seress} (3:33)
08. Strange Fruit {Abel Meeropol} (6:07)
09. Left Alone {Mal Waldron} (7:02)
10. Lover Come Back To Me {Sigmund Romberg, Oscar Hammerstein II} (4:39) 

Total Time: 56:36 

Note:
#10 was hidden with 1 min of silence now removed from end of #9 

Credits:
Producer, Arrange - Neko Saito
Liner Notes - Saori Yano

Gloomy Sunday