Fujii Kaze -- Nan-Nan（何なんw）

 

As you all probably know, I grew up listening to all kinds of music starting with enka and the old standards from The Great American Songbook and then progressing into kayo kyoku, jazz and R&B with some dalliances into classical as well. Well, this fellow had the same experience growing up with his music, and he turned out much more differently and better in terms of looks (probably a good healthy diet with plenty of psyllium fibre from the get-go) and talent.

This guy is singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze（藤井風）, and usually when it comes to describing Japanese names on the blog, I go with given name and family name in that order in English while reversing them in their natural Japanese order in kanji. However, since his Wikipedia article and his own website have gone with the natural Japanese order even in romaji, I'll also respect that and do it here, too.

And what's not to love about his debut (digital download) single "Nan-Nan" (WTF lol) in November 2019? There is the bouncy playful piano, the bluesy guitar and Fujii's own resonant and soulful vocals, and it seems like the music video is a message for folks to get out of their shell and enjoy life on the outside. Even during COVID-infested 2020, it's still good for a nice little breather in the fresh air. There is also something rather Queen-like about the arrangements. Did enjoy watching the singer and his buddies dancing about in New York City.

The single itself may not have done much on the charts despite its quality, but his first album "HELP EVER HURT NEVER" which was released in May of this year peaked at No. 2. Unfortunately, his concerts had to be cancelled due to the pandemic but I'm hopeful that he will continue to burst out with some more of his catchy tunes.