Yumiko Matsuoka

Review: Founder of legendary Boston-based Vocal Jazz group Vox One, Yumiko has always been one of our favorite vocalists and arrangers. She has two excellent collections of arrangements in the PAC catalog, 'Collection Vol. 1' and 'Collection Vol. 2.' The Anthology 'To Every Thing' is her first solo album, and it includes a piece Yumiko wrote for acoustic guitar for some friends' wedding, 'Tsubasa,' her arrangement of Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes,' performed by the Western Wind with Yumiko, and her marvelous arrangements of the English Traditional tunes 'Scarborough Fair,' 'Black is the Color' and the title tune, performed by Boston Jazz Voices. The Western Wind also shines on Yumiko's arrangements of Lionel Bart's 'Where Is Love' and Lennon/McCartney's 'Eleanor Rigby.' Yumiko's classically accompanied arrangement of Dylan's 'Blowin' In The Wind,' her lovely arrangement of Joanie Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now,' performed by Syncopation; and the Scottish Traditional 'Skye Boat Song,' performed by Yumiko with the women of the Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble, are all favorites. 'To Every Thing' is a remarkable collection, highlighting the tremendous vocal, arranging and composing talents of Vocal Jazz master Yumiko!

Songlist: Tsubasa (wings), And So It Goes, Scarborough Fair, Brett, Where Is Love?, Black Is The Colour, Blowin' In The Wind, Eleanor Rigby, To Every Thing There Is A Season, Georgia On My Mind, Both Sides Now, Skye Boat Song

Review: An arrangement of the classic folk song 'Black Is The Color' that reflects the deep dark color of 'my true love's hair.' Opens with a tenor solo, then develops into a warm, full-textured chorus. 'The Lord's Prayer' is a solemn and heartfelt a cappella rendition of the well-known tune. Rich close harmony is employed throughout, which soars to a climax with 'for Thine is the kingdom.' . An old English folk 'Scarborough Fair' song made popular by Simon and Garfunkel arranged with a larger ensemble in mind. Tenor sings the melody, surrounded by soprano/bass pedal point and alto/baritone ostinato lines. It then shifts into different moods, keys and harmonic settings, sensitively corresponding to the lyrics. 'My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night' is one of the Stephen Foster evergreens, this arrangement starts with male unison, then develops into a rich close harmony with some twists here and there. Followed by a short baritone solo, it builds up to a beautiful climax with a key change, and a calm, pensive ending. An excellent showcase for a strong small group. 'The Water Is Wide' is a ballad to be savored by both singers and audiences. It showcases male and female soloists over a beautiful, haunting background lines, builds up to the tutti section where each part has a moment to shine, then comes to a quiet close with a reprise of the male solo. 'Simple Gifts' is an arrangement written for Vox One's album Pure Imagination, this Shaker song is transformed into an ode to the open skies of Africa. Combining a Swahili phrase for 'dance and sing' and vowels not commonly used in choral singing, a bed of background lines are laid to carry the melody in 9/8. Its uplifting message comes through strongly as joyous rhythm and harmony is weaved together by each part.

Songlist: Black Is the Color, The Lord's Prayer, My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night, Scarborough Fair, The Water Is Wide, Simple Gifts

Review: The Lennon-McCartney classic 'Eleanor Rigby' retains some of the flavor of the original Beatles' arrangement intact by giving the background vocals a string-like texture in the opening section. It then goes through a couple of key changes and gives different parts an opportunity to sing the melody, while the background supports with strong harmony and interesting counterlines. Arranged for a cappella quintet Vox One, the classic 'Danny Boy' song showcases a soprano solo. In the middle section, the alto and tenor parts weave a line reminiscent of a brook in a green field of Ireland. Lush, complex harmony and a dramatic build-up reward both the singes and the audience. Recorded on Vox One's, Chameleon. The national anthem is treated here with solemn but inspirational sound. The rich harmony, without going too far away from the original, builds to a climax with contrapuntal lines that make it interesting for the singers. Written for the New York-based group the Western Wind, Yumiko's arrangement of 'Where Is Love?' opens with a mezzo/alto feature backed by flowing lines reminiscent of a small string ensemble. After the interlude, the melody is passed onto different parts with a surprise ending that involves a couple of tonality changes. Written for a cappella quintet Vox One's comeback album of the same title, 'Pure Imagination' features a soprano solo with the background vocals that re-creates the dreamy world of Willy Wonk'a Chocolate Factory. Come and explore the harmony and texture that builds up to a fantastic climax. It will make you want to watch and savor the movie once again.

Songlist: Danny Boy, Over The Rainbow, Star Spangled Banner, Eleanor Rigby, Where Is Love?, Pure Imagination