BWW CD Reviews: HIROMI KANDA'S 2 Albums of Standards and Originals

Hiromi Kanda is a unique talent, casting her lot among the bevy of performers proffering up classic standard recordings, while contributing her own original lyrics to some tunes as well with her newest collection Days of Yesterday (2011), and with 2010's Hiromi in Love. Both feature lush orchestration thanks to producer Yusuke Hoguchi that ranks with some of Nelson Riddle and Billy May's most swinging arrangements. The standards stand out, but it's the originals that really make these albums (CDs) truly special, along with Hiromi's voice which can travel from a whisper to a growl in a heartbeat.

While Hiromi in Love was recorded in Honolulu (featuring members of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra), and bears that distinct feel of that studio and orchestra, Days of Yesterday has the unmistakable sound of Capitol studios in Hollywood, lending it that timeless quality so associated with the original "voice"; Sinatra. Guest Pianist Joe Sample tickles the ivories in expert fashion to lend an even more authentically jazzy feel to these selections, and Matt Catingub's conducting and arranging (and smooth saxophone) are the icing on these delicious confections that will keep you coming back for more.

Both works are chock-full of terrific renditions of familiar numbers like "How Deep is the Ocean", "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning", "Unforgettable", "Someone to Watch Over Me", and personal favorites from the new one that include: "I Love Paris" (starting sexy and breathy), "All of Me", "Stella by Starlight", "Memories of You", and "Our Love is Here to Stay". But, it's the originals that really struck me, with standouts like: "Always Here for You", "Blue Love" from the first (all with compositions by producer Hoguchi) nearly paling beside the maturation shown with "Goodnight Yesterday", "Twilight Tears", and "Dreamer".

Hiromi Kanda is a force to be reckoned with, and she's a knock out to boot. Both albums (CDs) are brilliantly conceived and executed and highly recommended.