Play Room ~ Tawamure Clear Vinyl

Description

Originally released in 1983 on Teichiku, Atsuko Niina’s debut album is a true gem of City Pop, jazz-fusion, and Japanese bossa nova. Now particularly sought after on the second-hand market, this record revisits ten Western classics, including “One Note Samba,” “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Wave,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” mainly adapted into Japanese. Production is handled by Jun Irie (Logic System), with arrangements by Hirotaka Izumi (The Square), among others. Accompanied by top-tier musicians, including guitarist Kenji Kitajima, Atsuko Niina delivers a sophisticated album with fusion and jazz-funk sounds. Special mention goes to “Man or Boy,” an explosive reworking of “The Girl from Ipanema” in fast samba, a true Japanese Rare Groove gem made for the dancefloor. An essential reissue for fans of Wamono, City Pop, and Japanese jazz.