Lily – Taeko / Lily (Toshiba Express, 1974, Japan Import)
A debut statement from Lily (リリィ), one of the defining voices of Japan’s early 1970s folk scene. Taeko / Lily bridges smoky café folk and subdued city soul melancholy. Arrangements are minimal and lush, often just guitar, brushed drums, and Lily’s unmistakable vibrato cutting through on the late night radio. Backing musicians include a small circle of Tokyo studio talent: Ryoichi Kuniyoshi, Shuichi Ogura, Masami Tsuchiya, and others.
