［Description］

The eagerly awaited vinyl release of the debut major album Utaba Utayun (2002) by Ikue Asazaki, the foremost exponent of Amami Island songs, is finally here, featuring UA as a guest artist.

This album presents a unique collaboration between Amami Island songs and piano, a combination that was unusual at the time, delivering a simple yet distinctly powerful vocal performance that resonates deeply with listeners. Features 11 tracks, including the iconic songs "Obokuri ~ Ēumi" that conveys the emotions of Amami, "Tokunoshima Bushi" with UA, who shares the same hometown as Ikue Asazaki, and "Asagao Bushi", was performed against the backdrop of the waves at the beach of Kakeromajima, Ikue Asazaki's hometown. Supported by numerous musicians including Haruomi Hosono, this album has become a cornerstone of Ikue Asazaki's career, introducing the depth of Amami Island songs and the charm of the region to audiences unfamiliar with this genre.