Search - aiko shimada :: Blue Marble

Erik T. (Spikesmusic) from BELLINGHAM, WA
Reviewed on 5/25/2014...

In her fourth American release, Seattle musician Aiko Shimada hits her stride as she draws upon different styles and approaches to her work. Blue Marble combines a Japanese based acoustic sound, elements of folk, jazz, ambient, and modern music with a melodic pop sensibility. The music flows; Shimada's voice is mellifluous, feminine, delivering mood to the music; thoughtfulness, longing, wistfulness, mystery. Neither melodramatic nor wallflower-y, her singing has a calm depth that fills the music.

In addition to her magnificent vocals, there are notable Northwest musicians involved in this project. Eyvind Kang, who has several Tzadik albums to his own credit, plays violin, viola, fretless bass, processed violins, and ashiko drums. Guitarist Bill Frisell makes an appearance on two numbers. In fact, Aiko is not afraid to step aside for two songs, one allowing Eyvind kang to solo his violin and viola, and "Song for Mark", a tribute to her husband and double bass player Mark Collins. Of particular interest is the remake of one of her own songs, "Toki wa Sugi", which originally appeared on the Window album in a more acoustic version. Here, the ensemble incorporates viola, violin, fretless bass, cello, and double bass for a lusher, "orchestral" sound.

Even if you don't understand Japanese, Aiko Shimada brings poetry to the sounds of her native Japanese language. She has successfully folded together different styles of music to create one of her strongest collections since Window. This one has earned repeat listening on my player.

No language barriers to great music

m834 | Southern Claifornia | 10/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not speak Japanese, but it doesn't matter. Aiko Shimada's voice is hauntingly beautiful, her guitar work solid, and the story that she unfolds for the listener transcends any language barrier. She knows just how to apply emotion and rhythm, pauses and flow to her lyrics to create seemingly perfect moods from one track to the next.With guest artists - like Eyvind Kang (violin, viola) and Bill Frisell (electric guitar) - lending their immense talents, there is unique depth to every track. Compositionally, each song offers something all its own that still manages to mesh flawlessly with the whole. Kang's work here is especially noteworthy, as he lends poignancy, mystery, subtlety and beauty with even the sparest of notes, and plays off Shimada's vocals as if they shared a psychic link.Simply put, Blue Marble is a treasure perfect for rainy autumn evenings and sunny spring mornings alike. I still can't believe my good fortune at finding it. It's one of my all-time favorite recordings."

Untapped talent from Seattle via Japan

J. Book | Pasco, WA United States | 11/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want something that's unique and powerful, purchase this. Aiko Shimada comes from Japan, but has made Seattle her home in the last few years. I came to her from a magazine clipping, which said she was "jazz with a Japanese voice". While there are some jazz stylings, her music is much more than that. If anyone remembers a band from the early 90's called Ether, this is what BLUE MARBLE sounds like. Relaxing, soothing music with an edge not found in today's popular music, which is good because I don't think the world is ready for someone as bright as Shimada. DJ Olive appears on this as well."