Today is looking to be a rather dreary day with the possibility of some heavy rain later in the afternoon. We're still in summer, though, so perhaps this can be the appropriate song to start this Friday's session of the urban contemporary in Japan.
"Summer Rain" is the second track on "Paradise Café" (1983) by the band Kyozo & Bun, a collaboration between guitarist Kyozo Nishioka（西岡恭蔵）and multi-instrumental musician Yoshifumi "Bun" Okajima（岡嶋善文）that started in that year and went for at least a few more years with a second album "Travelin' Band" coming out in 1986. Nishioka is already known on "Kayo Kyoku Plus" for his folk music beginning with "Puka Puka"（プカプカ）in 1972 but he also made that leap into City Pop and funk with one example being "Animal Night" from 1981.
The percussive intro to "Summer Rain" had me thinking of Sade's "Smooth Operator" although that song wouldn't make its entrance until well into 1984. But the overall song is of tropical splendor and relaxation on the beach with that Resort Pop and jazz. It may be titled "Summer Rain" but I can't help but hear plenty of sun and breeze in this one...fueled by a nice zesty margarita.🍹
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