Let’s see, in my first “fab faves” post I briefly talked about up and coming Japanese R&B singer Emi Maria. She’s one of my newer favorites and recently she’s been making some moves, and it seems like she’s definitely next in line for her time to shine! (lol that rhymed!) So far she’s got one EP, one mini album and a plethora of collaborations under her belt. Not to mention her latest collection: iTunes presents: Live from Tokyo, a sampler of her upcoming full length album titled A Ballad of My Own, which is set for a November 5 release. Of course I’m really excited for this, especially after peeping the live sampler. It took some time for me to get around to actually listening to the whole thing, but now that I have, I think a review is in order.

First I have to say I’m going to be slightly biased as I’m a sucker for lives. And I don’t mean those live pre-recorded-real-time-lip-synced lives. I’m talking sour notes, perfect pitch, unscripted side story, that’s-not-the-right-lyric lives.  I think that’s what makes lives so great. So while I will base my opinions on the good notes and slip ups, deep down I love it! lol So with that being said, here goes:
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Tags: emi maria, itunes, japan, live, music, r&b, review

Gifted One is my new audio crush, people. Started in 2007, the group is comprised of dancer/choreographer D-Low , who has choreographed stars such as NANA, and w-inds. TRAK STA, producer extrordinaire and singer/songwriter Ippei Takahashi. =)

I would describe their sound as maybe Funky-Soul. Ippei’s vocals are so fresh and crisp and over the beats produced by Trak Sta, it sounds LOVELY DAHLINGS! Then to top it off, you’ve got some fly choreography by D-low, and all is well. My favorite songs from them would have to be “Before It’s Too Late”, “Ocean Blue” and “Just A Friend”. What’s even more great in my opinion, is live, they sound just as great, if not better than the recording. Peep this clip of the guys performing “Before It’s Too Late” and “Just A Friend”

Awesome right? Yeah, I know.

If you like what you’re hearing, I recommend heading over to their myspace to hear some more of their stuff, and add them =)

GIFTED ONE OFFICIAL MYSPACE

Tags: crush, d-low, gifted one, ippei brown, Japanese, live, music, myspace, trak sta, youtube