Mary Osuga = メリー大須賀 - Memory Of Mary

Regular price ¥2,800

Tax included.

Label:音のメルヘン屋 - a-5726

Country:Japan

Used LP 1978

Disc:VG+ (light surfcae noise/pop, not bad shape overall)

Jacket:VG+ (light scuffs/wears, not bad condition) w/insert (some cuts)

Mary Osuga was a jazz singer who began her career shortly after the war, performing primarily at U.S. military camps. Following two decades in the spotlight, she retired from singing and carved out a unique path for herself, running a boutique while also operating a music school. As evidenced by the messages included in the liner notes from such illustrious figures as Nobuo Hara, Izumi Yukimura, Reiko Yukawa, Yukio Mishima, more, she was clearly a well-regarded jazz singer within the scene so much, so that there were even discussions about her making studio recordings. This is a self-released album capturing a concert held after her retirement. It features a diverse repertoire of 10 tracks, ranging from jazz standards and song accompanied by the koto to arrangements of Stan Getz’s composition with added lyrics and staples frequently performed at the military camps. The entire album is a compelling listen. Released from Oto No Meruhenya.

戦後まもなくの頃からジャズシンガーとして米軍キャンプをメインに歌い歩き、以後20年程活躍しその後は歌手を引退しブティック経営の傍ら音楽教室を運営するなど独自の人生を歩んできた歌手メリー大須賀。原信夫、雪村いずみ、湯川れい子、三島由紀夫など錚々たる顔ぶれのインサートのメッセージでもわかるように、レコーディングの話も実際あった程に界隈では知られたジャズシンガーだったようです。本作は引退後に開かれたコンサートの模様を収めた自主制作盤。スタンダードから琴の伴奏と歌うナンバー、スタン・ゲッツの楽曲をアレンジして歌詞をつけたもの、キャンプ常連曲まで幅広いレパートリーの全10曲を収録。全編聴き応えあるいい内容。音のメルヘン屋からのリリース。