Natsuki Morikawa: &Jazz

The opening of “Lullaby of Birdland” is wonderful.
Her rich, resonant low voice enters over an exceptionally cool opening played by a single double bass, and it really grabs you.

Then, in songs such as “All of Me,” she suddenly sounds more her age, with an endearing quality, allowing you to enjoy many different sides of her appeal.

It is unfortunate that when she projects in the higher register, her sense of pitch becomes slightly uncertain and her English pronunciation sounds Japanese (especially the “gi” sound in “music”). But she is still in her early twenties, so I look forward to what she will do in the future.

It is rare for me to listen to an album this much. I put it on my iPhone and listen every day. Not only the singing but also the arrangements are extremely cool. The backing is exceptionally solid and impressive.

It is a great shame that when I check her live schedule, nearly all the performances are in Osaka. I would love for her to perform in Tokyo. I will rearrange everything to attend….