Toki Asako - Summerin’ (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

“A summer album featuring original and cover songs by former Cymbals vocalist Toki Asako combining pop, rock and jazz music and creating a casual, sensual and elegant atmosphere. Definitely an album worth checking out!”

ARTIST: Toki Asako (土岐麻子)

ALBUM: Summerin’

LABEL: rhythm zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-45913

DURATION: 32:46

RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. LIBERTINE
2. サマーヌード
3. 小麦色のマーメイド
4. Reach Out, I’ll Be There
5. La Isla Bonita
6. smilin’
7. 都会

For those not familiar with Toki Asako, she is a member of Players SMA Inc. (Players Sony Music Artists, Inc.) which represents artists such as Ska Paradise Orchestra, Rolly, Watanabe Shunichi and others on various labels.

Toki was a member of the Japanese rock group Cymbals (1997-2004) and since their breakup, has been able to carve her own niche with her own style of music.

Toki Asako returns with her seventh album titled “Summerin’”, an album with a few new songs and cover tracks featuring a total of seven tracks and an album that shows good balance between pop, rock and jazz.

The first track “LIBERTINE” is an original Toki Asako pop song but with jazz and funky style elements. Very enjoyable and relaxing. Beautiful electric guitar, bass and electric piano playing in this track.

The second track “Summer Nude” and is a cover of the Magokoro Brothers hit. An upbeat jazz hit with cool bass, acoustic and electric guitar, electric piano and flugelhorn and trumpet. Another beautiful track on the album!

The third track “小麦色のマーメイド” (Komugi Iro no Mermaid/Wheat color mermaid) is a jazzified upbeat version of the sultry 80’s slow jam by Matsuda Seiko.

The fourth track “Reach Out, I’ll be There” is a cover of the Four Tops 1966 hit. The song is sung in English where the original was soul, Toki’s version has the original elements of the Four Tops hit but this version is more of a happy, Katrina & the Waves (Walkin’ on Sunshine) style.

The fifth track “La Isla Bonita” is a jazzed up version of the popular Madonna hit. The song is sung in English and a song where bass, acoustic guitar, smooth percussion and trumpet has a great presence in the overall track. A very smooth and sensual cover of the popular pop hit.

The sixth track “Smilin’” is another original track by Toki Asako and features a hip, jazz track where the electric piano/synth, flute, trumpet and flugelhorn, guitar and bass creates a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

The seventh track “都会” (city) is a cover of a 1977 song. A beautiful slow jazz song featuring piano, bass and a string quartet.

The CD insert is a quad-fold featuring lyrics and production credits on one side and photos of Toki Asako on the other. Also, a rhythm zone flyer with June 2008 releases is included.

Toki Asako’s latest album on the rhythm zone label is definitely a winner. Although it doesn’t include many tracks, the overall music is quality and Asako’s voice is just sensual and “Summerin’” was a pleasant and enjoyable album overall.

I have to admit that its really interesting to see rhythm zone now incorporating more genres to the label. Typically known for their urban, soul R&B sound, with Toki Asako and Dorlis being promoted by the label, definitely signifies a change for the label to diversify into other areas.

I definitely look forward to listening to more of Toki’s musical works and for those wanting to try something new, I definitely recommend this album.

BUY THIS ALBUM:

Summerin’

Asako Toki