[Bright & joyful]
No.189 "Hasta mañana" by Yumi Seino
Hi. Today's song is "Hasta mañana" (See you tomorrow) by "Yumi Seino".
This is a bright & joyful, Samba based pops song, performed by "Yumi Seino".
The track seems to be a song for summer, but it might be also enjoyable as a driving music for any seasons.
The singer "Yumi Seino" is one of the noteworthy, but mysterious singers of the '80s. The albums she has released are only very few, but they are still popular among fans.
If you like, please listen.
Links to the music shops, offering song samples, are located on the bottom of this page.
Some contents have been put away in tabs with "▶" mark in each section, so please click it to see.
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Thank you.
Cover art today
Song data
| Title | Hasta mañana |
|---|---|
| Artist | Yumi Seino |
| Album Title | U・TA・GE |
| Catalog Number | COKM-42754 |
| Track No. | 1 |
| Duration | 4:51 |
| Released | 1981 |
| Publisher | |
| Lyricist | |
| Composer | |
| Arranger |
About the creators
Mami Kikuchi Lyricist
"Mami Kikuchi" is a singer-songwriter, lyricist, news caster, interviewer, and translator active since mid '70s.
Tchabows
According to her profile, "Mami Kikuchi" studied the Violin, and Piano at a music college.
After graduating from the college in the mid '70s, it seems she applied for a (possibly private) singer audition. "Kikuchi" was named as a winner, and welcomed as a vocalist of a 6-piece pop group, "Tchabows (茶坊主)", which was formed by "Masami Yoshida", who was an ex-member of a notable folk duo, "Grape".
(Now a days, the word "Tchabows", or Cha-bōzu usually means a flatterer or sycophant. So it's a sarcastic band name.
For the original meaning of the word "Cha-bōzu", please check this page, [ja.wikipedia.org, Chabōzu].)
Her group "Tchabows" released its first album "Tree of Life" in 1976.
But just one short year later, the group broke up, and the album became their only creation in the history of the band.
Interestingly however, this only album was recently promoted again by a known expert of Light & mellow music, as a nice urban-pop album of the '70s. And it has become available as a digital music.
As a solo singer
After the breakup of the band, "Kikuchi" began to offer lyrics to other artists like, "Akiko Yano", "Susan", "Circus" and so on.
On the other hand, In 1980, "Kikuchi" finally debuted as a solo singer with her first single, "Heart Beat" released from Japan records (JAS-7).
In 1982, "Mami Kikuchi" launched her 1st album, "Shimauma-ni notta secretary" (A secretary riding on a zebra).
But to our surprise, an American pop-instrumental group, "Larsen-Feiten Band" was invited for the recording of this album, and "Kikuchi" collaborated with them to produce her debut album.
Lucky girl.
"Kikuchi" also released her second album, "Morning Dew" in the same year.
News Caster
In the mid '80s, she went to the United States to study music again.
But while she was in the US, she experienced some journalistic jobs like reporting, and found the job was so attractive.
After came back to Japan, she started new career as a caster by appearing on various TV program, and she had particularly often appeared on international program until recent.
She is also working as a translator and interviewer. But she is particularly good at talking with music people, or artists, since she can utilize her expertise in music.
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(Ref: www.will-b.asia,
Mami Kikuchi profile)🇯🇵
Akira Inoue Composer & Arranger
"Akira Inoue" is a keyboardist, lyricist, composer, arranger, music producer, and a member of super instrumental group, Parachute, active since 1974.
As a talented keyboardist, or music producer, "Inoue" has participated in hundreds (Thousand?) of recording since the mid '70s.
And a known pop singer, "Sumiko Yamagata" is his partner.
Early times
According to Wikipedia, "Akira Inoue" studied music composition at a music college in Tokyo. And he started his music career in 1974, even he was still a student of the college.
The first job he got was a making of commercial jingles.
But while he was creating advertising jingles, some people noticed his excellent keyboard skills, and began to ask him to play in the small scale gigs.
And soon, he gained a recognition as a useful keyboardist among studio musicians.
In 1979, "Akira Inoue" took part in an experimental, progressive rock group. "Chikyū no kodomo-tachi" (Children of the earth) as a composer & keyboardist. The band, which was produced by a known film director, "Yūgō Sakō", released their only, but impressive album "Sansara" in the same year.
Our writer "Satsuma" happened to listen this album in the late '70s when some songs of the album were on-aired on FM radio as a weekly special.
And it was the first time to here the name of "Akira Inoue" for him.
Parachute
In 1980, "Inoue" joined a super Fusion band, "Parachute" as a keyboardist.
"Parachute" was a group of very skilled studio musicians, and so popular in a jazz-rock fusion boom in the early '80s.
They were not only active as a desired performer in the Fusion scene, but also keen to produce various artists by providing songs and backing.
And, "Akira Inoue" not just contributed as a keyboardist, but show his talent on song arrangements.
In actual fact, today's album of "Yumi Seino" is a typical example of their & his works.
For some more information about "Parachute", please have a look at this page on Wikipedia. (ja.wikipedia.org, PARACHUTE)
"Ruby no Yubiwa"
A widely known monumental work of "Akira Terao", is perhaps his song arrangement for "Akira Terao"'s 1981 song, "Ruby no Yubiwa".
Since 1980, "Inoue" set out to work with "Akira Terao" as an arranger for well-made songs of "Terao's own composition".
In February 1981, "Terao" released a stylish urban pop song, (but a lot more mass appealing) "Ruby no Yubiwa" (A ruby ring) as his 6th single by having a support form "Akira Inoue" on song arrangement.
"Ruby no Yubiwa" topped the chart for 12 straight weeks, and it sold more than a million (1.6m) discs. Certainly, it became a record big hit.
Naturally, "Ruby no Yubiwa" received a grand prix in the "23rd Japan Record Awards" in 1981, which was one of the most prestigious music awards in Japan.
"Akira Terao" also received a "Best Composer Award" in this awards ceremony, and "Akira Inoue" too was given a "Best Arranger Award".
Thanks to this win, "Akira Inoue" successfully established his name as a promising music arranger.
Since then, "Akira Inoue" has been taking part in dozens of artist as a producer, and also offering hundreds of melodies, or song arrangements for various artists.
He is also energetic on his solo activities.
Recent
Since the mid '80s, he has been spending one third of his time in London, and working with musicians and engineers in their.
In Japan, "Inoue" is also enjoying band activities in 2 instrumental bands, namely "Inoyama-daikon (井山大今)" (Akira Inoue: KeyB, Hideo Yamaki: Drums, Kenji Takamizu: Bass, Tsuyoshi Kon: Guitar), and Akira's (Akira Jimbo: Drums, Akira Okazawa: Bass, Akira Inoue: KeyB), even now.
-
(Ref: www.akira-inoue.com,
Akira Inoue, profile)🇯🇵
Video clip (Requiem)
Finally, we would like to introduce a calm & peaceful requiem, "In Paradisum", presented by a team formed by an Ukrainian musician "Nataliya Gudzy" & "Akira Inoue", released in 2020.
The vocal & the bandura (Ukrainian folk string instrument) are performed by Nataliya Gudzy. And the accompanying keyboard is played by "Akira Inoue".
We presume this performance is beautiful as a music, although it is a requiem.
"Nataliya Gudzy" is a Ukranian citizen, and experienced a nuclear disaster in her mother country in 1986.
Sometime later, she participated in a folk music group (Chervona Kalyna) consisted of the boys and girls affected from the incident.
In 1996, and 1998, she visited Japan as a member of the folk music group for a concert tour. And in 2000, she moved to Japan, and started her career as a solo singer & bandurist.
Her pure, clear, and almost sacred high-pitched voice is known as crystal voice. And in 2020 just this year, she celebrated her 20 years anniversary.
"Akira Inoue" has been working with her since the early timing of her arrival to Japan.
Sorry, this is a song of a particular religion.
If it is OK by you, please proceed to listen.
Song image & Lyrics
Open
Link to the lyrics
Copyright notice on the lyrics link
Sound impression
Bright & joyful
This seems to be a right & joyful, samba based pop song in upper middle speed.
Festive
When a thrilling melody line of the bass signals the opening of the song, the electric guitar, percussion, drums, and synthesizer join, and play a festive introduction.
In the main melody, the clear & mellow electric piano played by "Akira Inoue" works together with backing Latin rhythm, adds a relaxing tropical feeling.
And "Yumi Seino"'s natural & smiling alto voice creates a happy atmosphere.
Musicians
Musicians participated in this song are as follows.
It's splendid.
- Drums
- Yūichi Togashiki (ex-Colgen band)
- Bass
- Akira Okazawa (ex-Colgen band)
- E.Guitar
- Shigeru Suzuki (ex-Caramel mama)
- E.Guitar
- Tsuyoshi Kon (Parachute)
- Percussion
- Motoya Hamaguchi (The World Shyness)
- Keyboards
- Akira Inoue (Parachute)
- Vocal
- Yumi Seino
Reference
About Google translate
About the artist
Yumi SeinoMysterious Senorita
"Yumi Seino" is a pop singer who was most active in the early '80s.
Many of talented singers had debuted in the era like bustling '80s, but quite a few of them soon took new careers in the business world, or some were retired for marriage.
For those singers, there aren't much information on the present inter-net, and "Yumi Seino" is one of such "now mysterious" singers.
However, in the recent re-evaluation movement of the '80s pop music, "Yumi Seino"'s earlier three albums, which were "too ahead of the times" at that time, have now become high-profile. It is very nice that good music is recognized, no matter who the singer is.
Anyway, information we have on her is also limited. We would like to update if we find new information.
"Yumi Seino" debuted in 1981 with a single, "Koi-ha Itazura -Tu es malin-" (Love is a temptation -You are smart-). Since then, 5 more singles (6 in all), and 3 original albums have been released until now.
(Ref: discogs.com, Yumi Seino)
Debut
It seems "Yumi Seino" was in a music circle in her alma mater in the late '70s.
Then, there might be some prehistory, but she started her career as a professional singer by releasing her first single, "Koi-ha Itazura -Tu es malin-" (Love is a temptation -You are smart-) from Blow Up label, Nippon Columbia, in March 1981.
Gorgeous single
Actually, it is safe to say that this debut single of her was a gorgeous one.
The song in A-side, titled "Koi-ha Itazura" was written by a notable lyricist "Ayumi Date", and a legendary composer, "Kyōhei Tsutsumi".
And the coupling song in B-side, titled "Dream song" was created by a famed American vibraphonist, "Mike Mainieri", who is known as a leader of a popular fusion group, "Steps ahead".
(There was some contract between Steps Ahead, and Nippon Colombia in the early '80s. - Wikipedia-en, Steps ahead)
A-side song was an up-tempo Disco, and a typical, but first class main stream pops (often called "Kayō-kyoku" in Japanese).
And B-side was a refined and very stylish mellow ballad, so we can imagine that her management was looking into her future by providing 2 different type of songs for debuting.
Anyway, it was fortunate for her.
Parachute
In March 1981, perhaps along with the single, "Yumi Seino"'s debut album, "U・TA・GE" (A party, or convivial gathering) was also launched from Blow Up label.
The producer of this marvelous album was a known keyboardist & arranger "Akira Inoue", who was also a member of an acclaimed Fusion group, "Parachute".
A highly competent music producer, "Akira Inoue" requested a few of leading music creators to provide nice songs for the album, and called on the members of "Parachute" to participate in recording sessions.
Thanks to "Inoue"'s efforts, and remarkable performances by "Yumi Seino", this became an excellent Urban-pop album, and is still attracting the listeners in 2020.
(Note - The Japanese word "Utage" is a conceptual term, and includes the ideas of party, banquet, or feast at the same time. Please have a look at a dictionary site like here - JLearn.net, definition of "Utage")
Natural Woman
In December 1981, "Yumi Seino" launched another nice album "Natural Woman" as her 2nd one.
There was a continuous supports for the album recording, not only from the producer "Akira Inoue" and the members of "Parachute", but also adding some more excellent music people, like "Machiko Ryū", "Hiroyuki Namba" on the creator side, and "Yoshihiro Naruse", "Hiroshi Shinkawa", or "Jake H. Conception" etc on the musician side.
The album featured more mellow ballads than the first, then rounded and relaxing.
MARIAH Project
In January 1983, "Yumi Seino" released her 3rd album "Continental" from Blow Up label.
Actually, this was the album that our writer "Satsuma" first listened "Yumi Seino"'s music, and surprised with it in 1983.
From this album, another powerful music creative team, "MARIAH", a legendary Jazz-Fusion group active from 1979 to 1983, was invited for production. And "Masanori Sasaji", the keyboardist of "MARIAH", also known as a talented arranger, took responsibility for music design of whole album.
According to some reviewer's opinion, this is one of the best creations of "Masanori Sasaji", as long as the person knows. And we quite agree with that comment.
The overall tone of this album is fairly eccentric, New Romatic Euro-pop with wistful & decadent atmosphere like its album art. But sound wise, they are very delicately designed, but pretty edgy.
We are not particularly specialists of music, but we can feel this is great.
In fact, this album "Continental" has much different taste from her earlier 2 albums backed by "Parachute".
But we think all tracks are well delivering the different charms of "Yumi Seino"'s vocal.
If you have a chance, please listen.
Space Cobra
In February 1983, "Yumi Seino"'s 6th single, "Sayonara - Man's World" (Good-bye Man's World) c/w "Amai dekigoto" (A sweet affair) became on sale from Blow up label.
Both songs in this record were used in a popular SF Hero TV anime series, "Space Cobra", which was originally aired from 1982 to 1983.
And because of the popularity of the program, these 2 songs of "Seino" has been repeatedly issued together with other theme songs of "Space Cobra".
Quite mysteriously, this single record has been the last release of "Yumi Seino" so far.
And there are no much news on the later activities of her.
Mysterious
Now a days, a lot of personal information of the celebrities are, in a sense, bluntly disclosed on SNS by spectators.
But in the '80s, there were no inter-net, and therefore, it had been easier for anyone to conceal their whereabout from social eyes.
Older generation people like us might feel comfortable for the pre-internet world like such.
Anyway, we would like to update if we found any news.
Video clip
We couldn't find any suitable video clip so far.
We would like to update if we find nice one.
Music Samples
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Japanese Letters
| Song Title | Hasta mañana |
|---|---|
| Artist | 清野由美(Yumi Seino) |
| Album Title | U・TA・GE |
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