Pink Martini & Saori Yuki Collaborate on New Album ‘1969’ Released March 23rd

Portland, Oregon based ‘little orchestra’ Pink Martini and legendary Japanese singer Saori Yuki have collaborated to record ‘1969’ – a collection of songs from the year Yuki’s debut album was released. ‘1969′ will be released in Australia on Friday March 23.

Pink Martini have always taken their own path. The 13 members of their super-sool collective have crossed over from pop, world music, jazz, bossa nova and more. Over the course of five acclaimed studio albums, they have kept their rabid fanbase delightfully guessing.

Years back in Portland, Pink Martini founder and pianist Thomas Lauderdale was thumbing through bins of records when, intrigued by its gorgeous cover and interesting title (translated to “Scat In The Dark”), he snatched up Saori Yuki’s debut album. Years later, having never met Yuki, Lauderdale and Pink Martini recorded her song “Taya Tan,” for their 2007 album Hey Eugene! Then in 2010, Yuki was invited to sing the first-ever Japanese version of “White Christmas” for Pink Martini’s holiday album Joy To The World.

Saori Yuki’s illustrious career in Japan spans over 40 years. Saori Yuki has had an extensive career, appearing in countless films and TV dramas as an actress, hosting programs and appearing in variety programs as well as holding concerts with her sister Sachiko Yasuda. However, she was little known outside Japan. Her debut album, Scat In the Dark, remaining a secret outside of the smallest circle of music fans.

In 2011, Pink Martini and Saori Yuki reunited once again, to play benefit concerts for the earthquake devastated Japan in the US. They also completed a full album of music.

1969, recorded entirely in Portland, contains 12 songs, all in Japanese except for one in French. The album consists of covers of hit songs from around the year 1969 and one brand new song.

Saori Yuki performed songs from 1969 with Pink Martini at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, finally allowing music fans outside of Japan to hear her voice live.

Tracklisting

01. Yuuzuki (Evening Moon)
02. Mayonaka no Bossa Nova (Midnight Bossa Nova)
03. Du soleil plein les yeux (Eyes Full Of Sun)
04. Puff, The Magic Dragon
05. Ii janaino Shiawase naraba (It’s Okay If I’m Happy)
06. Blue Light Yokohama
07. Yoake no Scat (Melody For A New Dawn)
08. Mas Que Nada
09. Is That All There Is?
10. Watashi mo Anata to Naite Ii? (Consolation)
11. Wasuretainoni (I Want To Forget You, But…)
12. Kisetsu no Ashioto (Footsteps Of The Seasons)