The Film
Sitting through Hiromi Kanda: Hiromi In Love is an interesting experience. On the one hand, you will feel transported to another time; when jazz vocalists such as Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn riveted audiences with their stirring vocals. You may also find yourself wondering if you have walked right into Philip K. Dick's "The Man in the High Castle" as the music videos could have been staged in any World War Two-era jazz club. There is something very unique about this package and the lady performing. Her voice is extremely smooth and melodic sounding and she does classic jazz standards such as "My Funny Valentine" and "That Old Feeling" justice.
Born in Nagasaki, Japan, Hiromi Kanda was exposed to American music via the American military personnel stationed in the city, and began singing when she was only three years old. When she turned nineteen, she entered the world of show business when she auditioned for Japan's "A Star is Born" (Japan's version of American Idol) and not only made it onto the program, but walked away with the title (take that Carrie Underwood!). After signing a recording contract and releasing a popular album that sold well, she found herself at odds with her label who wanted her to completely change her image. Kanda refused to compromise her principles and took a hiatus from the music industry.
Years later, Hiromi Kanda decided to pick up the mic again and share her love for these classic American jazz standards. The collection of old standards is rounded out with two new original compositions by composer Yusuke Hoguchi ("Blue Love," "Always Here for You"). Kanda's collaboration with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra is first rate. It really makes you wonder what her music label in Japan was thinking when they asked her to "sex" it up. Nobody ever asked Sarah Vaughn or Ella Fitzgerald to show a little leg.
The Picture
The Sound
Disappointingly, the audio mix on this release is limited to two-channel PCM; I would have loved to hear the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra in all its surround sound glory. Hiromi Kanda's voice is quite strong and when she cranks it out, there is a strong presence bellowing out of two speakers. The stereo separation is quite wide with the sound extending far beyond the edge of the speakers.
The Extras
Aside from the inclusion of two additional audio tracks; "How Deep is the Ocean," and "All the Way," there is not much in the way of extras on this release. The songs and performances are first rate, which makes one wonder why they were not included in the video segment.
Final Thoughts
Hiromi in Love is an auspicious American debut for Hiromi Kanda. Not only does she do a terrific job of interpreting some of the most popular jazz standards of all time, but she does so with a fresh perspective that at the same time pays respect to some of the grand ladies of jazz. The strong visuals only add to the overall quality of the presentation making this well worth a viewing. Highly recommended.
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