Orange Pekoe - Grace

Producing a range of jazz fusion records since 1998, vocalist and lyricist Tomoko Nagashima and guitarist Kazuma Fujimoto of Orange Pekoe went for a different approach in album number four, Grace. While their previous offerings have mainly consisted of various jazz styles combined with modern pop and electronica, Grace has a distinct Latin flavour.

Followers of the band will know that all of their albums open with an introduction track - sometimes with a taste of the first full length song - and this is no exception. Tomoko sings a mellow version of the opener, Taiyou no flight, which is incidentally also the closer of the album. Her soothing vocals are accompanied by Kazuma's acoustic guitar. The full track then begins with more of Kazuma's finger-picking guitar work, much livelier this time and joined by other instruments to produce a vibrant samba sound. It gradually builds to a Brazilian carnival atmosphere in the final bridge and chorus when surdo drums and a female back-up chorus jump in. The following track, Kimi no yozora, is a foray into smooth Bossa Nova, although it resembles a lilting ballad more than The Girl from Ipanema.

Straight after is Hikari no naka e, a punchy Latin jazz number which speeds things up again. The beautiful Graceful Rain is just as the title suggests - delicate piano and a double bass frame Tomoko's soft, alto voice. Then it's back to Rio with the samba rhythms of their single Kiniro no hane, a real feel-good song. The uplifting lyrics describe the flight of golden feathers, which serves as a metaphor for the memories of the ones close to you when you are apart.

Even though they have introduced new genres in this album, the duo still retain some of their older sound: their other single, Sora no niwa, is much more reminiscent of their previous work. It's a swing piece that thoroughly showcases Tomoko's vocal abilities. This is also true of Ruby no kokoro. The album is rounded off with an acoustic version of Taiyou no flight, this time featuring vocals and superb guitar work from special guest Toninho Horta, a Brazilian guitar virtuoso.

The whole album is laid out so that faster tempo songs are alternated with slower, gentler pieces. While some may enjoy the variety, others may prefer more consistency in the mood - for example, if they wanted to use it as background music. Orange Pekoe has taken a bit of a risk by changing the sound fans have grown used to after three previous full album releases, but it works. It is a good exploration of Latin and jazz fusion, and although those new to the band should probably listen to their major label debut Organic Plastic Music as an introduction, Grace is also highly recommended.