Over six years ago, I slightly lamented that I couldn't find guitarist-singer Yoshiyuki Sahashi's（佐橋佳幸） "Diary" on YouTube. I first discovered it on "Breeze", the very first disc of Toshikazu Kanazawa's（金澤寿和）series "Light Mellow" which had quite the run during the 2010s.
Mind you, I was able to find his "Frida's Freedom" on YouTube which made for a nice consolation prize, so to speak. I was listening to "Breeze" once more a few nights ago and afterwards, I decided to check if anything had changed in the status of certain tracks on the CD that hadn't made it onto the video site all those years ago. Well, I was happy to find out that Sahashi's "Diary" finally made it on there, although strangely, the "Yoshiyuki Sahashi -- Topic" page stated that it's been up there since 2017! I have to politely contest that.
But regardless, "Diary" is that guitar-driven tune that reminds me of those sunny 1970s and happier, more innocent times. There's something about the song that hits me as being rather Billy Joel of that decade. Just like "Frida's Freedom", it was originally a track on Sahashi's 1994 album "Trust Me". The guitarist came up with the breezy melody while Hiroshi Fukushima（福島浩）wrote the lyrics. Sahashi's file on KKP mostly has him in the "back office" as a songwriter, so "Diary" is just the second article with him on the byline while his "Frida's Freedom" is the first.
Very nice song. Just an FYI, but Akina Nakamori released her first original single in 10 years last week called "Gomen to, Suki to." She also appeared on SixTONES variety show where they visited South Korea. It was her first variety appearance in 20 years as well. Glad to see she's doing well enough to do activities again.
ReplyDeleteGood timing. In a few days, Larry will be providing his own thoughts on Akina's latest here on KKP.
Delete
ReplyDeleteOkay, J-Canuck I think you are right that Billy Joel and Yoshiyuki Sahashi voices both share a warm baritone character masculine and that both have lower-register voices.
And to be sure neither Billy Joel nor Yoshiyuki Sahashi is known for an extremely high tenor sound but both of them tend to sing naturally rather than with heavy vibrato or exaggerated ornamentation. Yes, I know you didn't say this, but I am guessing that is what you were thinking. However, Billy Joel's voice is considerably more robust, gritty, and dramatic. In other words more weight and projection, especially in rock songs. His baritone carries a distinctive edge and emotional grit, and he often shifts from quiet verses to strong, belted choruses.While at the same time Sahashi's is softer and more restrained lighter, gentler, more understated tone. Sahashi's vocal style is intimate and blends into the music rather than commanding it. In other words Billy Joel's baritone voice carries a distinctive edge and emotional grit, and he often shifts from quiet verses to strong, belted choruses.
Hello, Brian. Actually, I wasn't thinking that deeply on the comparisons between Joel and Sahashi; I just had that feeling.
Delete