Sachiko Ikuta

Jazz singer Azumi’s 2010 release Almost Like Being in Love is a cheery and ebullient jazz album filled with fresh takes on classic jazz standards. With well-thought-out arrangements and a satisfying choice of tunes, a variation of moods with an undercurrent of lively swing is established right from the inviting title track. Other standards include “On Green Dolphin Street”, “My Favorite Things”, and “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”, played as a cute jazz march. ...

A jazz pianist who balances lyricism with boldness, Sachiko Ikuta leads a piano trio on Haru No Kaze (Spring Wind) from 2012. Legendary jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino also joins on two songs, adding an adventurous splash of avant-garde improvisation to the album. Starting with the title track “Haru No Kaze”, the sense of an overture is felt through the light Japanese touches of a sweet melody which turns into the whirling winds of a solid jazz piano trio locking into a tune together. The next track, “Last Tango In Paris”, introduces a mood of evocative drama and intrigue with a relaxed beat. ...