However, there is also Shinji Tanimura's（谷村新司） cover of the song. Tanimura, leader of the folk/rock group Alice, wrote and composed "Ii Hi Tabidachi". Considering his band's music, I was surprised to find out that he had that velvety voice which was perfect for soul-stirring ballads. His version of the song first came out in January 1986 as the B-side to his single, "Gion Matsuri"（祇園祭...Gion Festival). This version doesn't have the soaring trumpet, but it has a sophisticated and even more serene arrangement and Tanimura has a silkier approach to the lyrics. In the years since, his "Ii Hi Tabidachi" has become as representative of his work as Yamaguchi's original has been of hers.
Well, I couldn't resist. Just had to show the two of them, Yamaguchi and Tanimura together, doing the same song.
Thanks J-Canuck for this great post on いい日旅立ち. I also love this song and it's probably one of the few songs that actually gets me teary eyed. Even though it's 谷村新司's song, 山口百恵 version will always be my favorite. With its lyrics about traveling Japan looking for love, it's no wonder JR used the song for its "Discover Japan" CM campaigns over the years. This song has been covered by a who's who of Enka and Pop singers over the years including - 石川さゆり, 五木ひろし, 島倉千代子, 大月みやこ, 中森明菜, Alan, 徳永英明, 倍賞千恵子 among others. There's even been an acoustic version by Chinese musical group - 12 Girls Band. I personally would love to hear 桑田佳祐's version which was featured on one of his concert DVDs. Somehow I can't really picture him singing this song.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Kuwata's voice seems a bit too gravelly for this one, but hey, you never know. He did do a great cover of Donald Fagen's "IGY"
ReplyDelete"Ii Hi Tabidachi" has become a standard. There's something about the lyrics that just touches that nostalgically wistful part in a lot of us. I would say that despite Tanimura's tender-hearted rendition, the song will always be with Yamaguchi.