Aiko ShimadaCountry of origin:Born in Japan, now in U.S. Type of music generally:A unique ethereal jazzy alternative pop with an almost ambient flavour Status:Most recent release, Like Hannah (2004) See also:Aiko Shimada's site (currently offline, as of 8/2016) Comparisons:Early Joni Mitchell; soft jazz performers; soft art song performers Covers/own material:Mostly own, collaborations, and occasional covers. General comments:Dreamy jazzy spare pop with haunting, clear vocals, almost train-of-thought lyrics, uniquely hers. There is a sense of fragility in the songs and yet her vocals are strong. The songs are jazzily loose-feeling but shapely, structured and full of gentle hooks—they don't grab you, but instead draw you in. There is also a frequent Japanese flavour (several of her songs have Japanese lyrics). I highly recommend her music—no one else quite does what she does, and each of her songs grows on me the more I hear it. (Neile) Comments about live performance:Live Aiko Shimada is compelling and her clear vocals even more hypnotic. Highly recommended, though the last time I heard her was as part of the Seattle Persephone's Circle singer-songwriter group, over 15 years ago, I'm sure. (Neile) Recommended first album:Another Full Moon (for her self-produced material) or Blue Marble (more highly orchestrated and produced). (Neile) Recordings:
bright and darkRelease info:1995—BERA Availability:Harder to find Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Aiko Shimada—vocals, guitar Guest artists:Mark Collins—upright bass Produced by:Aiko Shimada Comments:This album has a similar sense of fragile songs as Joni Mitchell's early work, but with the strong vocal style and maturity of Joni Mitchell's later work, yet Aiko Shimiada is, even from this first album, very much assured and writing music in her own style and with her own flavour. The unique orchestrations are fascinating in their own right, as are Aiko Shimada's delicate yet sturdy and powerful vocals. An impressive debut. (Neile) WindowRelease info:1998—BERA 02 Availability:Online sources Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Aiko Shimada—vocals, guitar Guest artists:Mark Collins—nylon string guitar, uprights bass, backing vocals Produced by:Aiko Shimada Comments:Gentle and jazzy pop, quite quiet and introspective—a nice change of pace, and it all comes alive because she really knows how to structure a song and has a lovely, expressive voice. Rainy day music, rich, vivid, rewarding, and perfect when you're in a contemplative or dreamy mood—or want to be. (Neile) Another Full MoonRelease info:2000—BERA 03 Availability:Online sources Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Aiko Shimada—vocals, steel string guitar, nylon string guitar, electric guitar, clave Guest artists:Dave Carter—trumpet on 8 tracks Produced by:Tucker Martin and Aiko Shimada Comments:This is quiet but energetic and dramatic jazz-touched pop. Aiko Shimada has a wonderful voice, and a way of putting together songs with gentle hooks—so gentle you don't even know they've caught you until they're buzzing in your head and you're delighted to hear them when you drop this in the player again. (Neile) Blue MarbleRelease info:2001—Tzadik/New Japan—TZ7281 Availability:Online sources Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Aiko Shimada—electric guitar, vocals Guest artists:Evind Kang—violins, viola, fretless bass, processed violins, ashiko drum, tom-tom, recorders, mint-finger cymbals Produced by:Evan Schiller and Eyvind Kang Comments:A gorgeous album, sung in Japanese, this is far more produced than Aiko Shimada's other albums. The label describes this as "surreal folk songs" and says it's "an unforgettable emotional ride through Aiko's exotic musical forest." Yes, exactly. Highly recommended! (Neile) Like HannahRelease info:2004—Bera Records—bera04 Availability:Online sources Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Aiko Shimada—vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar Guest artists:Troy Swanson—Corpus Callosum—(1, 6, 12) Produced by:Aiko Shimada and Evan Schiller Comments:Another fine, dreamy, and arty album evoking places ("Ireland" and "In Our Park"), seasons ("Winter Light" and "Autumn Song"), nature ("Blossom" and "Crane" and "Tulip Song"), and emotions ("Loneliness" and "Like Hannah"). (Neile) |
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