(1985) Sumiko Yoseyama/Mal Waldron - Duo and Duo 76/45 **

 

With: Sumiko Yoseyama (vocals), Mal Waldron (piano)
Record date: September/October, 1985

Okay, resit! Really I gave this one a fair chance and have to admit that it’s a little better than it’s predecessor. Why? Well first of all there is no strings to be found here nor a cocktail jazz band. It’s just Sumiko and Mal which gives it a more sincere sound. Also, there’s a little more space for Mal. And his soloing is pretty warm and nice as is his playing behind Sumiko. And the last improvement is the English of Sumiko which seems to be a little better.

But part from that: this is still pretty hard to listen to for me. I still really think Sumiko is just not a very great singer. Her timing is so so, her technique very basic and her sound is not pleasant or warm. There is no soul in her singing which is essential, especially when you sing with Mal.

There are plenty of buying options on both vinyl or cd. I’ve got the ‘Tuff Beats’ remaster from 2005 that also contains the duo 76/45 as a bonus. So no review of that album here. Which is probably better anyway.