In 2001, Akiko signed with Universal Jazz.
After she had gained highest praises at International Jazz Meeting in New York,
she recorded her debut album in Paris. Legendary French Producer, Henri Renaud, produced this album. Her debut album "Girl Talk" was selected as Swing Journal's Gold Disc (Seal of Approval) and ranked at 1 of Jazz Chart in Original Confidence (Japanese Bill Board). Right after the debut, akiko made success with her debut concerts in 4 major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka). And in October, she performed at Blue Note Tokyo with her trio. As the result of these aggressive activities, she won New Star Award of 2001, Swing Journal Jazz Disc Award.
In 2002, Akiko released her 2nd album "Hip Pop Bop" which features 2 songs produced by UK's pop unit, Swing Out Sister. The album also ranked at 1 of Jazz Chart in Original Confidence. In summer, she appeared with her own trio at several jazz festivals in Japan and captured more than 30,000 audiences.
In 2003, Akiko released her 3rd album "akiko's holiday" which was recorded in New York. She picked up 12 jazz standards sung by legendary singer, Billie Holiday. On several tunes, she sang modern way in R&B/Hip Hop touch, with several guests like Roy Hargrove. This album was selected as Swing Journal's Gold Disc (Seal of Approval).
In October (of 2003), Akiko was awarded "Defining Beauty Award" by world-famous cosmetic company "ESTÉE LAUDER". Right after receiving the award, she released her 4th album "Mood Swings". Tatsuo Sunaga, A Japanese famous DJ produced this album. With this album, Akiko has started to appeal to not only jazz fans but also young audience as "The coolest jazz singer in Japan". As the result, she won Jazz Vocal Award of 2003, Swing Journal Jazz Disc Award.
In 2004, Akiko collaborated with Tatsuo Sunaga again and released her 5th album "Mood Indigo". This album was awarded ADLIB magazine’s 2004 Best National Club/Dance Disc Award. In September, she performed at Tai-chung Jazz Festival in Taiwan and captured more than 6,000 audiences.
In June 2005, Akiko released her first live album “Simply Blue” which was recorded at jazz club, Motion Blue Yokohama. In November, She released a new studio album produced by Yasuharu Konishi (ex. Pizzicato Five) titled “Little Miss Jazz & Jive Goes Around the World!” which focused on her musical roots; jive music. In connection with “Little Miss…”, she produced a jive compilation CD titled “akiko presents Rockin’ Doo Wop, Jump & Jive.”
In April 2006, Akiko released her first best album “Collage.” In July, she made Blue Note tour (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka), and the live performance in Osaka was released as digital album on iTunes Store.
Akiko’s 2007 started in Brazil, for the recording of her new album “Vida” with her co-producer, GIRA MUNDO. The album was supported by famous Brazilian musicians incl. Marcos Suzao and Art Lindsey, which was released in April. She made a Japan tour with this album and also performed at major pop festivals incl. Fuji Rock Festival. Also, during this period, her past albums were released in Korea that she visited Korea for both promotion and performing at jazz festival.
In the end of same year (2007), akiko released her first Christmas album “a white album” which was produced by Yasuharu Konishi. Simultaneously, her second jive compilation “akiko presents Rockin’ Doo Wop, Jump & Jive Vol. 2” was released targeting for the party seasons.
In 2008, after the successful Billboard Live/Blue Note tour in spring, akiko started to work on two albums simultaneously in studio, by self-producing her albums. Concepts for these albums were to express “What’s Jazz?” from two different points of view. “What’s Jazz? -STYLE-” released in October expressed her love to good old acoustic jazz, whereas “What’s Jazz? -SPIRIT-” released in November was to express her vision as the music should always reflect the trend, collaborating with track makers of club music field incl. Yukihiro Fukutomi and Hajime Yoshizawa.
In June 2009, Akiko released her new album “HIT PARADE” which was a tribute to LONDON NITE, the legendary rock DJ event in Tokyo, where she largely spent her times as a teenager. Having Kensho Onuki, who was the organizer of LONDON NITE as her supervisor, akiko picked various pop/rock hit tunes of 60’s-90’s which were ‘LONDON NITE classics’ and collaborated with LONDON NITE DJs/producers for each track creation
In summer of 2009, Akiko visited Oslo, Norway to make her new album with the producer/keyboardist and also the owner of Jazzland label, Bugge Wesseltoft. During her stay in Norway, she performed with Bugge at PUNKT, one of the most cutting-edge music festivals in Norway. The album is scheduled to be released in early December
Akiko has also collaborated for various artists incl. Haime Yoshizawa, STUDIO APARTMENT, Yukihiro Fukutomi, arvin homa aya, Yuji Ohno, [re:jazz], just to name a few. Akiko is one of the few vocalists whose total creation are paid attention; not only her music but also the album covers and her own fashion.
Official Website: http://www.universal-music.co.jp/jazz/j_jazz/akiko/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/akikojazz
The Gift
Akiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
すわりこんだ その命 そっと抱きよせる
わたしはあなたのそばに
わたしたち それぞれのとなりに
きょうは 大貫妙子の曲を聴こう
そして キャロルキングの歌も聴こう
心燃やし 立ち上がる 気持ち
光ささやく星は 夜の窓に あふれ出す
低く 見え隠れしてる 光さえ 見逃さず さがし出す
わたしはあなたのために
わたしたち それぞれのために
きょうは モウタウンのリズムに乗って踊ろう
そして オーケストラの音を からだに浴びよう
そうよ 音楽はおくりもの
心燃やし 立ち上がる
きょうは みんなの大好きな歌を歌おう
笑いながら 泣きながら 歌おう
きょうはあなたのために歌を歌おう
いつか 会える時まで 愛を送ろう
The Gift by Akiko is a beautiful song about the healing power of music. The first verse speaks of someone crying and exhausted, holding onto their life and finding comfort in the presence of another person who holds them gently. Akiko sets the scene and invites us in with her tender voice, seamlessly transitioning to the second verse where she suggests that they listen to some music. Akiko proposes two genres- Miyoko Narumi's song and Carole King's tune- and explains that music is a gift that ignites the heart and empowers the spirit. The chorus emphasizes the sentiment, urging the listener to dance to Motown's beat, soak up the orchestra's sounds, and sing their favorite song with laughter and tears. Lastly, Akiko pledges to sing for them and send them love until they meet again.
The lyrics and melody of The Gift embody the gentleness and love that emanate from the heartfelt gift of music. The song speaks to anyone who has ever found comfort, strength, and inspiration in music. It's a reminder that we all have the gift of music within us, and that it can be treasured and shared as a source of hope and healing. The song's message and Akiko's soulful delivery make it an incredibly touching and meaningful piece.
Line by Line Meaning
丸い ちいちゃな声で 疲れはてて 泣きつかれて
Exhausted and overwhelmed, I hold your tiny, fragile form close as you cry softly in my arms.
すわりこんだ その命 そっと抱きよせる
I cradle your life, nestled in my embrace, cherishing every moment we have together.
わたしはあなたのそばに
I'll stay by your side, always here for you whenever you need me.
わたしたち それぞれのとなりに
We all need someone to support and comfort us, and I'll be here for you, just as you'll be here for me.
きょうは 大貫妙子の曲を聴こう
Let's listen to Taeko Onuki's music today, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful melodies together.
そして キャロルキングの歌も聴こう
We can also listen to Carole King's songs, feeling the power of music deep within our hearts.
そうよ 音楽はおくりもの
That's right, music is a wonderful gift that brings joy and inspiration to our lives.
心燃やし 立ち上がる 気持ち
It sets our hearts on fire, invigorating us and inspiring us to stand up and be our best selves.
光ささやく星は 夜の窓に あふれ出す
The stars whisper to us, their light spilling out into the darkness through our windows.
低く 見え隠れしてる 光さえ 見逃さず さがし出す
Even the faintest, hidden lights are worth finding and cherishing, just like we should find and appreciate the hidden beauty in each other.
きょうは モウタウンのリズムに乗って踊ろう
Let's dance to the rhythm of Motown today, letting it lift our spirits and fill us with happiness.
そして オーケストラの音を からだに浴びよう
We can also bask in the sounds of the orchestra, letting the rich, sweeping melodies wash over us and fill us with emotion.
きょうは みんなの大好きな歌を歌おう
Let's sing some of our favorite songs together today, laughing or crying as we enjoy the memories they bring back.
笑いながら 泣きながら 歌おう
We'll laugh and cry together, making the best of every moment we have with each other.
きょうはあなたのために歌を歌おう
Today, I'll sing a song just for you, to remind you how much you mean to me and to fill you with love.
いつか 会える時まで 愛を送ろう
Until we can be together again, let my song carry my love and my hope to you, wherever you may be.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Akiko Yano
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maha320
Love is the supreme gift! Thanks for lovely upload dear yoichiro 👍
@yoichirotani
You are welcome! I'm glad that you liked it!!
@KateCatII21
your gift, thanks <3
@yoichirotani
You are welcome! ♥
@djalmaferreira
Song composed by Djalma Ferreira
English lyrics by Paul Webster
@jiyujizai
🍐🎶😉🌾
@jiyujizai
🌷🌱💚😀
@davidlavaret4657
Spike and the bebop