Akiko (Akiko Ishii) began singing at live music venues in Tokyo while attending university, gaining many fans, including an older male audience, and captivating audiences with her unique stage presence and innocent MCs, as well as her voluminous body, which contrasted with them. This work sees her going to Paris, where Henri Renaud, a leading figure in the French jazz scene, is producing. Renaud has recently been involved in the discovery and reissuing of many French jazz recordings, and is well-known to veteran jazz fans. Manuel Rocheman, who accompanies her, is also a familiar talent to European piano fans, and Renaud's true skill is evident in his use of Rocheman here. Akiko also sings with even more care than in her live performances, and the work is highly polished. The final track, a work by Erykah Badu, seems to be the most fitting for Akiko's sensibilities, but her unique interpretations and singing style are also evident in the standards, suggesting the possibility of various changes in her future direction. In any case, although beauty is not necessarily power, there is no doubt that jazz has been revitalized by the emergence of this attractive artist. This is the debut album of the first Japanese female jazz singer on the Verve label. With her overwhelming singing ability, which captivated France's Henri Renaud, she passionately sings standards including "Autumn Leaves" (from the CD Journal database). Rarely played, almost unplayed. Domestic edition, one owner. Although it is a beautiful item, it is being sold as a used item, so please refrain from purchasing if you have any concerns. Please understand that the color of the photos may differ slightly depending on the lighting. Non-smoking, no pets. Will be shipped with cardboard reinforcement. Alcohol-sterilized. 260103