Yoshiko Saita: Back in Time to Boston
Singer Yoshiko Saita’s latest release is Back in Time to Boston, an album whose recording was both a homecoming and a musical trip down memory lane. It’s a trip not troubled by turbulence or misadventure, as the entire album occupies a relaxed, late-night mood that’s perfect for this combination of Saita’s rich voice and mellow delivery. Joining the singer is her old musical partner Kenny Werner on piano on all tracks, with Grégoire Maret adding harmonica to about half of the songs, with tracks alternating between duo and trio formats. In a room lush with reverb, Werner’s piano is elegantly pretty and Maret’s harmonica is wistfully bluesy, and both musicians know how to expertly support Saita’s voice in the spotlight. ...