Hiromi Kanda, the acclaimed Japanese vocalist with a penchant for the Great American Songbook, has completed her sophomore album, Days of Yesterday. Scheduled for release on September 13th on the Music Gate label (distributed by Warner Music Group/ADA), the follow up to Kanda’s critically acclaimed 2010 debut Hiromi in Love features both more timeless classics and new, original material penned by Kanda and her husband, Yusuke Hoguchi. Hoguchi, a prominent composer in his own right, served as the album’s producer.
Days of Yesterday extends Kanda’s reach via lush orchestrations and sophisticated arrangements and showcases the expanded vocal palette of Hiromi, whose love for the giant songwriters of yesteryear such as Cole Porter and the Gershwins knows no bounds. On Days of Yesterday Kanda offers her interpretations of such proven gems as “All of Me,” “I Love Paris,” “Smile,” “Stella by Starlight” and “It Had to Be You.” The set’s three original compositions fit in cozily alongside the classics and one, titled “Goodnight Yesterday,” spotlights the great Joe Sample best known as one of the founding members of jazz legends the Crusaders guesting on piano.
For Hiromi, the experience of recording Days of Yesterday was a career highlight. “I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such talented people as Al Schmitt, Matt Catingub, Joe Sample and the wonderful musicians at Capitol Studios,” she says. “And I’m excited to share my interpretations of the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Eubie Blake and many great composers on my second album.”
Days of Yesterday will undoubtedly reap praises of a similar nature and further the reputation of this unique, stylish and poised artist. For Hiromi Kanda, this gorgeous new recording marks the point where she no longer simply pays tribute to, but emerges as one of the great vocalists.
“I need good music,” says Kanda. “Music, to me, is like pure air. Music is joy. And I feel that my musical voyage is just beginning with Days of Yesterday.”
The Nagasaki-born singer recently moved to the United States, and will embark on a national tour in support of Days of Yesterday.
