Ayako Hosokawa – Mr. Wonderful (Japan TBM Vinyl LP)

Remastered & Cut by Bernie Grundman

At the age of 14, Ayako Hosokawa was already performing in the American military clubs in Japan, picking up the English language by singing international pop songs of that time. Now, she represents feeling and soul within her songs, no matter whether she sings in English or Japanese. After her marriage, she moved to the United States and was discovered and sponsored by Earl “Fatha” Hines. She found enthusiastic fans touring San Francisco, Las Vegas, Montreal and lots of places in California, performing in the clubs, local radio stations or on TV. In the ’80s, she started a roving life between the United States and Japan. Due to her recordings for TBM and performances for radio stations and on TV, she became one of the best-known pop and jazz singers throughout her country.

Backed by a terrific band, Ayako tackles some of the most memorable jazz standards of all time on the 1977 release To Mr. Wonderful. Couple this with spectacular sonics for a memorable and beautiful album

• 1 Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
• 2 Misty
• 3 Our Love Is Here to Stay
• 4 My Foolish Heart
• 5 Bridge Over Troubled Water
• 6 When You Smile
• 7 Mr. Wonderful
• 8 Feel Like Makin’ Love
• 9 The Lady Is a Tramp