MIGNONNE

Ohnuki's third album, different from Yamashita's three, is marked by the direct stare of its monochrome cover. It was on this album that her European sound made an important impression on listeners. The clear strength of her will, piercing through a cool reserve to carry her own style, is striking; as another woman, I remember being moved by it.

A1 is a medium groove with a trace of folk in its fragrance. A2 turns into a soft, swinging beat; its expansive voice is irresistible. Gentle sunlight descends, and at tea time on a spring afternoon, its calm mood is all the more pleasant. The recommendation at the top, A4, invites us into a lovely time on a refined bossa rhythm. Open all the windows and, with the feeling of becoming a bird, fly high into the sky; the sounds of happiness come another step closer. On side B, the floating sound of Ryuichi Sakamoto's electric piano and open horn section make B1 memorable, leading to her signature B3. Beautiful strings and a lyrical sound overlap here, giving the track a sense of glide. When Tsunehide Matsuki's bluesy guitar joins in, the effect is dramatic. The final recommendation, B4, is another of the pieces on Long Time Favorites. Perhaps the presence of Professor Sakamoto playing piano in an electric-piano phrase helped define Ohnuki's direction. Even so, the song's breezy, light freshness is something special. By the sea, on a bicycle ride, it becomes a moment of life you will never forget.