Pure Imagination
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The jazz and ballad singer Akiko Aoki returns with the Tim Ray Trio plus many guests for these heartfelt interpretations of some of her favorite standards.
“Almost Like Being In Love” starts the listen with Ken Peplowski’s flowing sax and Tommy Campbell’s frisky drums complementing Aoki’s smooth pipes, and “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” follows with Greg Hopkins’ soulful trumpet amid the very pretty singing in the cautious jazz climate.
Arriving in the middle, “You’ll Never Know” benefits much from Tim Ray’s graceful piano and Aoki’s expressive singing in the intimate landscape, while “Just The Two Of Us” continues the sophistication with Mike Monaghan’s well timed sax and Mari Aoki’s backing vocals adding much warmth.
The title track arrives late in the listen, and is populated by stirring trumpet, playful keys, skilled drumming and gorgeous singing, and “Smile” exits with just poetic piano and both Aoki’s absorbing voices that emits some R&B flavor.
Aoki started turning heads with her debut in 1998, and this record serves as a return to music after raising a family and running her late husband’s business. Not so surprising considering her past work, it’s a diverse and very memorable jazz affair that swings, gets vulnerable, and makes a lasting impression.
Travels well with: Loren Daniels- Ticket To Ride; Yola Nash- Manhattan Whispers