Marica Hiraga: Close to Bacharach (2006)

Marica Hiraga is a leading vocalist in Tokyo jazz scene and in demand vocalist.  Her professional career began when she won at “Asia Music Award” in Hong Kong.  She released two albums from Victor JCB.  After the release she studied abroad to New York City then released standard jazz vocal album “My Shining Hour” in 2001, which was welcomed as "well made standard jazz album" to both critiques and jazz listeners.  She just walked up.  Next album "Faith"(2006) was "stepped ahead" album made with Harold Mabern and Eric Alexander.  "My Favorite Things" arranged in Latin Jazz gets high reputation at any live performance.

In 2007 her next craft “Close to Bacharach” was with legendary jazz combo "Manhattan Jazz Quintet".  David Matthews arrangement turned all Bacharach song revived Bacharach to the 21th century.  This album was received "Swing Journal’s award for “Best Jazz Vocalist” 2007).   In 2008 her next craft "more Romance" was with Rob Mounsey and Gerald Clayton.  Then her next theme was Bossa Nova and Brazilian music.  Encompassed flavor of sound and unique arrangement by Gil Goldstein, this album grabbed all those who love music itself and was again awarded at "Swing Journal’s award for “Best Jazz Vocalist” 2008  for her refined singing style and incredible sound creation.  In 2009 She released "Sing Once More ~Dear Carpenters~".  It was dedicated to great pop duo “The Carpenters” had debut 40 years anniversary this year.  Marica recorded their big hit tunes and was received "Swing Journal’s award for “Best Jazz Vocalist” 2009.

Personnel:
Marica Hiraga (vc)
Manhattan Jazz Quintet
David Matthews (arr.pf)
Lew Soloff (tp)
Andy Snittzer (ts)
Charnet Moffett (b)
Victor Lewis (ds)
Tracklist:
01  Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
02  Do You Know The Way To San Jose
03  Alfie
04  The Look Of Love
05  What The World Needs Now Is Love
06  (They Long To Be) Close To You
07  Wives And Lovers
08  A House Is Not A Home Flash
09  Arthur's Theme (The Best You Can Do)
10  God Give Me Strength
11  I'll Never Fall in Love Again
12  This Guy's In Love With You
13  That's What Friends Are For
Close to Bacharach
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Stanley Jordan: The Best Of Stanley Jordan (1995)

Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan is truly one of a kind. Influenced by the virtuosic splendor of Art Tatum, Jordan set out as a youngster to create a completely new technique for the guitar. Eventually, he worked out a system for playing his instrument that incorporated both hands in a totally new way, using his fingers like hammers on a piano. By doing this, Jordan extends the harmonic possibilities of his guitar.

On this Blue Note best-of collection, listeners are treated to a set of 1980s/early-'90s tunes by the guitar innovator. Jordan's eclectic tastes are captured here. For example, he cleverly interprets the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" and Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." He also performs a number of jazz standards, including "Impressions" and "My Favorite Things." Jordan also displays wonderful compositional skill on the elegant ballad "All the Children," the Robert Johnson-influenced "Still Got the Blues," and others.

Recorded between 1984 and 1990.
Personnel: Stanley Jordan (guitar); Kenny Kirkland (piano); Onaje Allan Gumbs, Preston Glass, Bernard Wright (keyboards); Cody Moffett, J.T. Lewis, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Omar Hakim (drums); Sammy Figueroa (percussion).

Tracklist:

1. Jumpin' Jack (6:32)
2. Eleanor Rigby (7:01)
3. The Lady in My Life (6:26)
4. All the Children (5:00)
5. Impressions (7:18)
6. My Favorite Things (3:54)
7. Georgia on My Mind (6:06)
8. Stairway to Heaven (6:17)
9. Flying Home (4:02)
10. Still Got the Blues (5:06)

Best of

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