Preview
2 songs from Hiromi's upcoming album "Days of Yesterday."
I Love Paris
Good
Night Yesterday
Hiromi
Kanda, the acclaimed Japanese vocalist with a penchant for the
Great American Songbook, has completed her sophomore album,
Days of Yesterday. Scheduled for release on September 13th
on the Music Gate label (distributed by Warner Music Group/ADA),
the follow up to Kanda’s critically acclaimed 2010 debut
Hiromi in Love features both more timeless classics
and new, original material penned by Kanda and her husband,
Yusuke Hoguchi. Hoguchi, a prominent composer in his own right,
served as the album’s producer.
Arranged by Matt Catingub (Rosemary Clooney, Louie Bellson),
who also conducted the 50-piece orchestra, and engineered by
multiple Grammy-winner Al Schmitt (Frank Sinatra, Diana Krall,
Ray Charles), Days of Yesterday was recorded at the
legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood in the summer of 2010.
“What an unexpected treat to work with Hiromi, whom I
never worked with before,” says Schmitt. “She has
a wonderful voice and has love and respect for that classic
era of music. She’s a great talent.”
Days of Yesterday extends Kanda’s reach via lush
orchestrations and sophisticated arrangements and showcases
the expanded vocal palette of Hiromi, whose love for the giant
songwriters of yesteryear such as Cole Porter and the Gershwins
knows no bounds. On Days of Yesterday Kanda offers
her interpretations of such proven gems as “All of Me,”
“I Love Paris,” “Smile,” “Stella
by Starlight” and “It Had to Be You.” The
set’s three original compositions fit in cozily alongside
the classics and one, titled “Goodnight Yesterday,”
spotlights the great Joe Sample—best known as one of the
founding members of jazz legends the Crusaders—guesting
on piano.
“It was a wonderful experience to record with Hiromi,”
says Sample. “The choice of material was exceptional and
her performances were heartfelt. That adds up to a fantastic
day!”
Writing about Hiromi In Love, JazzTimes Magazine said,
“Blessed with a solid voice and an impressive sense of
time, Hiromi sings in a style that suggests the smokiness of
Marlene Dietrich crossed with the lilt of Astrud Gilberto,”
while the Honolulu Star Bulletin declared, “This romantic
nostalgic album by Japanese vocalist Hiromi Kanda has a timeless
beauty.”
For Hiromi, the experience of recording Days of Yesterday
was a career highlight. “I’m so thrilled to have
the opportunity to work with such talented people as Al Schmitt,
Matt Catingub, Joe Sample and the wonderful musicians at Capitol
Studios,” she says. “And I’m excited to share
my interpretations of the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin,
Eubie Blake and many great composers on my second album.”
Days of Yesterday will undoubtedly reap praises of
a similar nature and further the reputation of this unique,
stylish and poised artist. For Hiromi Kanda, this gorgeous new
recording marks the point where she no longer simply pays tribute
to, but emerges as one of the great vocalists.
“I need good music,” says Kanda. “Music, to
me, is like pure air. Music is joy. And I feel that my musical
voyage is just beginning with Days of Yesterday.”
The Nagasaki-born singer recently moved to the United States,
and will embark on a national tour in support of Days of
Yesterday.
