Beautiful writing and playing by Seiko Akita!
author: Richie Vitale
Very refreshing original songs with clear voicings, melodic and delightful.
Unusual Expectation is a strange, but elegant melody with excellent solos.
Temptation is an interesting play on an old standard. The train-like intro belies the fact that the melody is based on “There’ll Never be Another You.”
Estrada Do Tchau is a Latin/jazz song with excellent solos by Michael on tenor and Jeff on trumpet. Then Seiko mixes it up with the rhythm section adding horn backgrounds before taking it home.
Nostalgia in Times Square, a Monk tune, one of two cover songs (the other being “In Walked Bud”) has a pulsing backbeat groove.
Compelling solos by Michael, Jeff, Seiko and Lonnie.
A nice blend of Latin jazz, funk and ballad feels. Beautiful writing and playing by Seiko Akita!
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Excellent jazz CD!
author: Xavier P. (for RadioIndy.com)
“Temptation” by the genius composer Seiko Akita is a stunning and absolutely sensational assembly of original arrangements that breaks through the confines of tradition and precedent! One thing that immediately jumps out to listeners is the liveliness of this band’s sound – it feels like they’re performing a private concert just for you! Even better, the musical complexity and harmonic arrangements of these tunes are mind-blowing! Seiko flaunts her countless years of experience on tracks like “Beyond the Voyage” which rings with serenity – beautiful grand pianos and heart-warming brass arrangements set a heavenly atmosphere! “Estrada Do Tchau” burns with a nice Latin flare and shows off the ground-breaking drum performances present thought this CD! As if all this isn’t enough for music lovers, Seiko makes sure this collection strikes gold with remarkable, professional production! Fans of instrumental compositions with jazz, Brazilian, and Latin spice won’t be able to resist this “Temptation”!
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Seiko is the real deal, first class all the way...
author: Steve Creason
Seiko Akita is a splendid arranger and a spirited performer. Her piano playing is refined yet forceful. I love everything she does and I hope you buy this cd!
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Spirit of Bill Evans lives on!
author: Nathan
This album is a diverse group of fresh takes on old standards and some very impressive original tunes by a highly talented young composer. You'll be immediately struck by the interesting arrangements and diversity of styles, but in the end, it's Ms. Akita's tremendous sense of sensitive melodic playing that'll capture your heart on this record. It's the mark of a true genius, and while you might listen to tunes like "Old Spanish Love Song" elsewhere, few renditions will capture your soul like this one. Highly, highly recommended. The best jazz album I've heard this year.
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