IMC Album Of The Day - ”Palette” by Akira Jimbo (1989) Known as an extremely technical and long time drummer for Japanese fusion giants Casiopea, Akira Jimbo has accomplished an impressive solo career of his own. I have to say he surprised me when I realised the foundation of his solo albums were so built on harmony and melody. Starting from his solo debut, ”Cotton” in 1986 Jimbo has up to date released more than 25 solo albums, compilations included. Talk about being extremely productive! My first encounter with Jimbo happened in 1983 when I saw him perform with Casiopea in Stockholm. That was a performance that really rocked my world. Seeing Jimbo behind that stage white colored Yamaha 9000 Recording kit was quite astounding. I later became a proud owner of a similar kit but let’s allow the comparison to end there, OK? On this, his second solo release entitled “Palette”, Jimbo yet again went to Los Angeles to seek the assistance from the best musicians, producers and engineers available and the outcome became an extremely pleasant and musically vibrant album. With the help of name arrangers such as Derek Nakamoto, Bill Meyers, Gary Stockdale and Randy Kerber, Jimbo made sure to secure the charts. Add to that a rhythm section of Jimbo himself with Teddy Castelucci (guitar) Freddy Washington (bass) and Randy Kerber on keys with Nakamot, Stockdale and Meyers on additional keys, the groove was now locked in for greatness. The horn parts were contributed by Clay Jenkins and Charly Davis (trp&flugel horns), Steve Holtman (trombone) and Eric marienthal (Saxes & flute). Background vocals features: Bridgette Bryant, Phyllis St. James, Maxi Anderson, Donny Gerrard and Fred White. Lead Vocals on Olivia by Billy Griffin. To give you a feel of what I’m talking about, check out the track “Twilight Walk” : youtube/watch?v=6mUHC2OYnEA “Oliva” with Billy Griffin on leadvocals : youtube/watch?v=yDtrj_GetMM Or the soothing vocals on “Our Sweet Melody” youtube/watch?v=DLs5WvhvyUs “Driftin”: youtube/watch?v=m3hdcD_JBQM Originally released by Tokuma Records in Japan both ”Palette” and “Slow Boat” can be easily bought on amazon since they were released by Optimism records in the US. These to records have great depth to them and are very available. I strongly suggest getting both Palette and Cotton for a fulfilling musical exploration. (Mikael)
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:19:58 +0000
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