New album from the wonderful singer Sizzle Ohtaka, owner of one of Japan's finest voices. With her unique and pure tone she sings Irish and German folk songs, Japanese lyrical songs, Okinawan classic shima uta, classical pieces and her own original compositions. 11 tracks.

Perhaps this is the album we've all been waiting for Sizzle Ohtaka to record, ever since her haunting version of Shokichi Kina's 'Hana' in the early 90s. It's a pretty simple concept; her glorious, pure voice singing traditional Okinawan songs, such as Tinsagu nu Hana, Tsuki nu Kaisha, Shimajima Kaisha, Asadoya Yunta and a few new songs too, with mostly sanshin, guitar, minimal percussion, the distant chink of a Buddhist rin, and a few nature sounds in stripped down arrangements.Her voice matches her choice of fashion; contemporary kimono-based, unmistakably rooted in Japan with a modern cool chic. She has long held a fascination with the music of Okinawa and this latest album was recorded at the southernmost restaurant in Japan, in Hateruma Island, Okinawa. Eleven tracks.

Price:   £16.99

Sizzle (Shizuru) Ohtaka has been called Japan's best female vocalist for her pure and spinetingling voice. Repeat Performance is a ongoing series of Shizuru re-working classic tunes and themes in her own original style. Here she sings Japanese children songs plus classical tunes by Bach, Handel to which she has added Japanese lyrics and her own original songs. An Estonian girls choir called 'Ellerhein' join as guests. Up to her usual high standard.

New versions of some of Ohtaka's best known songs, from Japan, Okinawa and China, all beautifully performed.


Price:   £18.99

Best of album, selected by Ohtaka of her music used in TV commercials, films and soundtracks, of which there is plenty, as Ohtaka has even been dubbed the "commercial queen". In it's own right, a great album by one of Japan's best female singers.

Ohtaka's voice is as wonderful as ever, on another fine album.


Price:   £18.99