Nikaido Kazumi's long-awaited first original album in 14 years, "Chou-Seki," is finally complete! Co-produced by Harada Ikuko (Clammbon), the album features songwriters Tsujimura Takefumi (Kicell), Takagi Shohei (cero), and Minagawa Akira (mina perhonen). Just as the tides repeatedly ebb and flow, and morning and evening repeat—here are songs filled with compassion that only the "now" Nikaido Kazumi, who has been through so much, could sing.
"Chou-Seki" marks Nikaido's first original album in 14 years, since her signature work "Nijimi." This work features songwriting by a group of longtime friends. At Nikaido's request, Ikuko Harada (Clammbon) co-produced the album, while songwriters included Takefumi Tsujimura (Kicell), Shohei Takagi (cero), and Akira Minagawa (mina perhonen), a unique and impressive lineup. In addition, the album contains half of the songs she wrote and composed herself, recorded in her own private studio. Nikaido's work was carefully crafted with the help of her friends from around the country, including pianist Midori Kurose, who is Nikaido's closest supporter and an indispensable presence in Hiroshima, as well as double bassist Keigo Iwami, drummer Ryo Nakamura, and the Mitamura Kandadan?. The film vividly portrays Nikaido Kazumi in her "present" state, having experienced the joys and sorrows of her life, including her marriage to Gandhi, a band member of "Nijimi," the birth of two children, taking over the position at her family temple, and the death of a loved one.
The album opens with "Little Traveler," a tale woven by Shohei Takagi, performed solely through vocals and piano. After a quiet yet powerful melody, the album transitions into "Tsukepanashi," a free-flowing rendition of Akira Minagawa's poetry, evocative of the soul of craftsmanship. "Are Mo Kore Mo" by producer Ikuko Harada, with its unpredictable plot, seems to reflect the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The first half concludes with "Koishigateiru yo," a song by Takefumi Tsujimura, weaving together love and loneliness. The second half features songs written and composed entirely by Nikaido herself. These tracks, including the light-hearted swing of "BILLIE" and explosive scat singing, the positive energy of "Tsunagariate Aite Ikiteiru," and the epic scale and universality of "Umarete Kita Kara," reveal Nikaido's innermost thoughts about life. The album closes with "Aun," a live recording of the gentle joys of everyday life.
The jacket design will be handled by Hideyuki Saito, the book designer who also worked on the previous 7-inch. The cover photo is a private photo taken by Nikaido. We hope you will enjoy the appeal of the CD package along with the jacket, which faithfully makes use of the fact that the front and back are one photograph, and the message from Nikaido included in the booklet.
This heart-wrenching masterpiece, combining quiet power and great compassion, can now be sung after so many years have passed.
1. リトル・トラベラー
2. つけっぱなし
3. あれもこれも
4. 恋しがっているよ
5. BILLIE
6. つながりあって生きている
7. うまれてきたから
8. あうん
