Mieko Hirota

One of the more soulful albums ever cut by Japanese vocalist Mieko Hirota -- a set that mixes her warmly raspy style with some equally warm electric backings -- all with a vibe that's a bit like Esther Phillips' albums for Kudu Records! Arrangements are by Hiromasa Suzuki and Kiyoshi Sugano -- and Suzuki plays keyboards on all cuts, while Sugano brings in a few guitar solos too -- amidst other jazz-based instrumentation that's warmed up by some larger strings, used at just the right, light level! Lyrics are in English -- and titles include "Soul Lady", "If You Touch Me Baby", "I'm Blind To All But You", "Love Won't Let Me Wait", "They Say It's Wonderful", "Loving You Was Like A Party", and "Love For Sale".