FINE! by Yasuko Agawa - 1982

 

 Yasuko Agawa (阿川泰子), born October 16, 1951, in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a renowned Japanese singer known for her contributions to jazz, J-pop, and radio. Yasuko Agawa studied acting at the prestigious Bungakuza Theatre Research Institute and began her career as an actress, appearing in major Toho films such as The Family Game and The Gate of Youth, as well as popular television dramas including Taiyō ni Hoero! and Ultraman Leo. During her time as an actress, she was introduced to the late jazz clarinetist Shoji Suzuki, whose influence inspired her to pursue a career in jazz. Soon after, she became the exclusive vocalist for Shoji Suzuki and The Rhythm Aces, officially launching her professional career as a jazz singer.

Agawa made her solo debut in 1978 with Love-Bird, an album showcasing her interpretations of American pop standards written by artists such as Melissa Manchester, Stevie Wonder, and Fred E. Ahlert. Over the next several years, she established herself as a premier jazz vocalist in Japan through a series of albums rooted in the Great American Songbook. Her career took a pivotal turn when she traveled to California to record FINE!, her first original album produced in the U.S. The album was backed by the San Francisco-based Brazilian fusion group Viva Brasil, led by Claudio Amaral and Jay Wagner, with arrangements by Masanori Sasaji. The result was a sophisticated blend of Japanese jazz, American fusion, and Brazilian rhythm, solidifying her status as an international jazz talent.

THE MUSIC 

1. Meu Amor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Searching  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Fill Up The Night ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. New York Afternoon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Darlin' Don't Ever Go Away⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Smile On Your Face ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Jump For Joy⭐⭐⭐
8. You and I ⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Take A Holiday ⭐⭐⭐
10. Affair of the Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐

THE VERDICT ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s fascinating that Yasuko Agawa chose to sing every track in English for her first album, composed entirely of original material. Remarkably, it works—so well, in fact, that you’d be hard-pressed to tell she’s Japanese just by listening. Her soft, elegant vocals and near-flawless English blend seamlessly with the album’s smooth Latin-jazz rhythms. Tracks like “New York Afternoon” and “Meu Amor” instantly transport you to the heart of Spanish Harlem or the glow of 52nd Street. While the album largely stays within the bounds of bossa nova-infused pop, that consistency allows each song to flow naturally into the next, creating a cohesive, mood-driven experience. “Jump for Joy” takes a slight detour into disco territory, but it doesn't disrupt the flow. Fine is a great introduction to Yasuko Agawa’s music—a showcase of her original work that transcends the language barrier with grace and style. 

If you want to learn more about Yasuko Agawa, check out her Website: https://www.agawa.jp/discography.html