YUSUKE HIRADO レコード& CD

Review: Japanese nu-jazz doesn't get any more smouldering than this deep cut from Yusuke Hirado featuring Lil Summer on vocal duties. 'Fly Away' is a mellow melter thanks in no small part to the moody strings lingering behind Hirado's fluid funk production. It's a downtempo vibe which calls to mind the UK street soul sound, contrasted by B-side joint 'Dear Limmertz' which has a more jazz funk oriented flavour. Both joints won't let you down when you want to set the mood as smooth as possible - with a seasoned pro like Hirado at the controls, what else would you expect?

Review: Genesis present a 7" release of Japanese jazz singer Yusuke Hirado's cover of 'He Loves You'. The original song was written and recorded by Hawaiian jazz-fusion band Seawind, and now it's been given a silky smooth update by Hirado assisted by Yu-ri Tanaka. The track is buffeted along by the sweetest Rhodes chords and a funky, Moog-esque lead, but there's also a distinct slant from the steady tick of the drum machine patterns which form the rhythmic backbone of this version. Backed up with 'Collision In Blue', this is a perfect single for anyone who appreciates that clean, crisp approach to a jazz classic.