Michiru, Monday
Enso
Japanese-American songstress Monday Michiru returns with a richly crafted acoustic album that connects her roots in the urban grooves she's come to be known for as well as her background in jazz and classical music, hence the title 'Enso', which in Japanese means a cycle, as well as to perform. The mostly downtempo originals were penned by the artist with the exception of a spiritual-soul-jazz adaptation of the Japanese folk song 'Ringo Oiwake', which features Japanese koto sensation Asuka. Monday is also joined by guest collaborators such as producer-arranger Gil Goldstein, arranger Miho Hazama, Brazilian cult-artist Lucas Arruda, Philly spoken word poetess Ursula Rucker and her stepfather Lew Tabackin. Musicians include Monday herself flexing her flute chops as well as on vocals.