［Description］
The first full album entirely self-produced and featuring all original songs, is finally completed! Following the release of the album VIVA in February 2011, this latest work continues the journey. After numerous nationwide tours, the accumulated songs vividly express the emotions of changing seasons and the rich feelings that arise in daily life, accompanied by a soft sound that creates a vibrant impression, much like watching a movie unfold.
With members from the touring band such as Kazuya Fukuzawa and Yusuke Minami at the core, along with support from percussionist Tsuyoshi Miyagawa (GANGAZUMBA) and horn section players Kayoko Yuasa (wujabinbin), Saeko Kurokawa (Corkoa), and Yusuke Oda (TRI4TH), the recording process prioritized the organic sound of live music. This work, free from the constraints of existing genres, blends seamlessly into a colorful and pop sound incorporating elements of samba, Latin, New Orleans, and country music, with melodies that people of all ages can hum along to. "The most notable aspect of this album is the highly expressive, down-to-earth portrayal achieved uniquely through self-production work.
Uri Nakayama / ホロホロ "Horo Horo" (CD) / UBCA-1031
Tracklist
- 時々ドキドキ "Tokidoki Dokidoki"
- 寝ても覚めても "Nete mo Samete mo"
- 月曜日の夜に "Getsuyoubi no Yoru ni"
- 蒼いアジサイが泣いている "Aoi Ajisai ga Naite-iru"
- ガパオNo.5 "Gapao No. 5"
- るるるるる "Rururururu"
- 哀しきサングラス "Kanashiki Sunglasses"
- 8月のコラール "Hachigatsu no Chorale"
- トロントさん "Toronto-san"
- 石神井川であいましょう "Shikigamigawa de Aimashou"
Product ID
Release Date: December 19, 2012
Catalog number: UBCA-1031
Released by: Tuff Beats / A.O.I.
Distributed by: Space Shower Networks
【Participating Artists】
Urie Nakayama:
Vocals, Chorus, Accordion (Tracks 1-3, 6, 9-11)
Trumpet (Tracks 1, 2, 9), Glockenspiel (Tracks 2, 3),
Guitar / Piano / Whistle (Track 5), Kalimba (Track 11)
Kazuya Fukuzawa: Guitar (Tracks 1-4, 6-11), Ukulele (Track 3)
Yusuke Minami: Bass (Tracks 1-6, 8-11)
Tsuyoshi Miyakawa: Drums, Percussion (Tracks 1-6, 8-11)
Notch: Percussion (Tracks 8, 10)
Motoko Honda: Flute (Tracks 4, 8, 9)
Saeko Kurokawa: Clarinet (Tracks 4, 6, 8, 9)
Kayoko Yuasa: Trombone (Tracks 4, 6, 9)
Yusuke Oda: Trumpet (Track 8)
Yoko Oda: Marimba, Glockenspiel (Track 1)
Song Commentary for Each Tracks
[Song Commentary]
1. “Hotaru”
This song was inspired by those moments when childhood sensations suddenly resurface in fleeting glimpses of everyday scenery. Just before recording, I had the opportunity to see fireflies dancing, responding to the light of mobile phones as they approached. It made me wonder if they could sense people's feelings.
2. “Ame ni Mahou wo Kakete”
This song is unusually straightforward compared to my previous works. Rain would sometimes make us feel melancholic, but I personally enjoy spending time alone in my room, listening to the sound of rain and contemplating things, pondering about tomorrow.
3. “Cobalt Blue”
Having grown up in an area with many children, I experienced several occasions where close friends transferred to other schools. Although it's something that adults might forget over time, I sometimes reminisce and wonder what they're doing now or if they're doing well. I wrote this song with the eyes of the person who left.
4. “Gozen Zero-ji no Bell ga Naru”
I've had experiences where I fell asleep during long phone calls. This song, with its sleepy melody, tends to make me feel drowsy even when I listen to it myself. The horns start like the hustle and bustle of the night, with distant dog barks and car horns.
5. “Chiisana Mado ni”
This is the first time I recorded guitar myself. With the addition of backing vocals, it gets more pop. The photo on the jacket was taken about 20 years ago by my father, capturing our family cat on the balcony from inside the house. While I remember she was there, I can't recall her texture or voice, which can be quite frustrating. The blurry photo seemed to reflect my fuzzy feelings about not being able to remember someone I loved.
6. “Masaka Saka Saka”
A song for those days when nothing seems to go right. I think we managed to create a song that allows us to play over during live performances.
7. “Tasogare Urara”
It is a song featuring a simple arrangement with only guitar and vocals, yet both the guitar (Kazuya Fukuzawa) and vocals were recorded multiple times.
8. “Akai Kutsu”
I arranged this song with the image of social dancing in mind and collaborated with bassist Yusuke Minami to bring it to life. The lyrics express a young girl's small melancholy, something she feels doesn't need to be said but rather understood. When I saw twins on the street, dressed alike with the same hairstyle and faces, I couldn't help but envy how well they seemed to understand each other. The word "twins" appears in the lyrics, prompting thoughts about what it would be like to have a lover like a twin.
9. “Cantabile”
The highlight of this song is the multiple percussion recordings by Tsuyoshi Miyagawa. While I initially composed it with the aim of creating a Brazilian-style standard reminiscent of the old days, Miyagawa-san's beat arrangement gave it a punchy feel.
10. “Koisuru Jitensha”
The rhythmic electric guitar gives this song a charming, maraca-like impression. It's a lively tune unlike anything I've done before.
11. “Horohoro Namida Shiranu Tori”
This song was born from my experiences touring the country in a single car since 2011. It explores the experiences of meeting and parting ways, waving goodbye to one town with hopes of reuniting in the future.
(Text by Uri Nakayama)
