Chieko Honda: Aquarelle

Vocalist Chieko Honda got her bonafides from Barry Harris, and mixes jazz with Brazilian Samba with a dash of pop on this highly satisfying album. Her voice is clear, dreamy and upbeat, showing much depth and sensuality with Cesar Garbini’s relaxed guitar and Brazilian beauties like “Prossiga” and the folksy “Esquece.” Mika and Garabini join in with background vocals for pieces like the irresistible samba of “Aquarelle” while Hadar Noiberg’s flute adds a joyful mood to the lazy and breezy “Misty Wind” as Kahil Nayton strums his lithe cavaquino like a summer wind. Honda sounds relaxed and reflective during “On the Crescent Moon” and upbeat for the peppy Caribbean mood of “Linda Flor Yaya.” Soft and comfortable like a white sandy beach.

www.chiekohonda.com

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