Amazon Review
Following a mini-album featuring Kyohei Tsutsumi's original songs, this is his third full-length album. The lineup of musicians featured is impressive, including Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, Grady Tate, Phil Woods, and Lew Soloff. Furthermore, strings add a touch of mellowness to some tracks, creating a gorgeous production.
But perhaps the most notable feature is the production and arrangement by John Simon. John is a renowned producer who has worked on numerous rock, pop, and jazz albums, including The Band. Toku says, "I remember him best as the producer of Michael Franks' 'Tiger in the Rain.'" The title track is an original written specifically for Toku by Michael Franks. He also sings a variety of other numbers, including standards and Ivan Lins tunes. His voice is boundlessly romantic. Along with his vocals, Frank's elegant flugelhorn playing is also captivating, and both are thoroughly enjoyable. (Shoji Ichikawa)
Product Description
1. MR. SANDMAN, BRING ME A DREAM 2. FOTOGRAFIA 3. CHEMISTRY OF LVOE 4. SHE 5. I COULD WRITE A BOOK 6. CHANGE PARTNERS 7. I JUST WANNA STOP 8. I JUST MISS YOU, THAT'S ALL 9. LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING 10. WALK BETWEEN RAINDROPS 11. BORN TO BE BLUE 12. SMILE 13. YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL (BONUS TRACK)
Media Reviews and More
The gorgeous third release from TOKU. Produced by John Simon, it features backing from veterans such as Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, and Phil Woods. As always, TOKU's pop-infused jazz feel is what makes this album so interesting, but the flugelhorn seems to fit the song better than the vocals. While the album has a sophisticated, grown-up vibe, I was hoping for a more Elvis Costello-esque swagger. The horns are great, of course, because they express their sweetness so well. (Kazutomi Aoki) --- July 2002 Issue -- Contents (From "CD Journal Review")
This 2002 album, produced by John Simon, has a relaxed mood throughout, but the sound is diverse, with dynamic swing (1), graceful strings (4), and elaborate horn ensembles (12). Covers of Gino Vannelli and Donald Fagen reveal a taste for AOR.
-- Contents (From the "CD Journal" database)
