MISS M.

Mariya Takeuchi's own take on Silk Degrees. With a mature, dressed-up face, the first four tracks set out to enjoy an affair on Sunset Boulevard. To keep pace with the urban black drive carried by a tight, seamless rhythm, the listener needs to get into that mood too. The musicians' refinement and sense of dynamics, and their corresponding bilingual feel, are irresistible.

A dream super-session in Los Angeles with the stars of TOTO and Airplay. On A1, a danceable David Lasley and Peter Allen composition, Jay Graydon's fine solo takes us to heights worthy of Steely Dan's 'Peg' or the Manhattan Transfer's 'Twilight Zone.' Then A2, written by Alan O'Day and Tatsuro Yamashita, cools the mood: David Foster's Rhodes and Greg Mathieson's brass and strings coat the sweet melody. Bill Champlin, Tom Kelly and other high-tone voices join in a chorus, while A3, Yamashita's brightest tune, carries that excitement forward. A4 brings Mark Jordan and Foster Graydon's blue-eyed disco. From Boz Scaggs to Earth, Wind & Fire, much of the adult, black contemporary sound Takeuchi sought is condensed into this record. Finally B1, a Tokyo special ride by Tetsuji Hayashi, absorbs it all and releases it.