Ami Ozaki -- Wanderer In Love

Finally! According to the local weather broadcaster, it had been 8 months since my city actually got a 30-degree Celsius temperature. Yes, it's been a long and hard winter but things seem to be finally looking up.

What added to the good vibes today was listening to this song by songsmith Ami Ozaki（尾崎亜美）, "Wanderer In Love". And all I can say is that it further answers the question "What would you get if you brought together TOTO and Japanese pop?" Well, that has already been answered by folks like Mariya Takeuchi（竹内まりや）and Naoko Kawai（河合奈保子）from that time, and "Wanderer In Love" is another fine response.

As with Takeuchi and Kawai, Ozaki got to work with David Foster and Tom Keane in crafting tracks for her an album. In her case, it was "Hot Baby" from May 1981. For those who love the AOR on both sides of the Pacific, this is the one for you. You've got Ozaki's familiar velvety vocals paired with music that was performed by a combination of TOTO (Steve Lukather & Jeff Porcaro) and Airplay (Foster & Jay Graydon) and a great sax by Tom Scott. My inner 80s was crying for joy at the accomplishment.

"Hot Baby" has been mentioned in "Japanese City Pop" and "Music Avenue", and both book and website have specifically identified "Wanderer In Love" as one of the highlights. Gotta try and get this album.