April Goddess is a new track by Laranja, a Brazilian crossover solo unit of Yoko Yamazaki. It's a sweet Brazilian Soul Jazz song, perfect for the season, and Yoko Yamazaki's Brazilian crossover solo unit "Laranja".
Sweet Brazilian Soul Jazz, perfect for this season, and Yoko Yamazaki's piano
touching the listener's heart like light shimmering on water.

The majestic strings arrangement was written by Akihiro Horikoshi, who was the keyboardist for the Escalators popular in Japan in the 90's as J-Funk, Acid Jazz, like Japanese  “Brand New Heavies”.  He is here reminiscent of Claus Ogermann who was involved in Jobim's works in the past.

April Goddess

Laranja’s instrumental song “Peacock’s Blue” ranked no.4 on the Latin Top Songs and no.5 on the Jazz Top Songs on Netherland iTunes Store.

Peacocks Blue

Yoko Yamazaki's Brazilian crossover solo unit, Laranja, will be releasing their second monthly single, "MARIA" in May.

The song was created based on an emotional experience she had while visiting the Cathedral Aparecida in Brazil. The result is a Brazilian pop song with a melancholic and languid melody.
The featured vocalist is ALICE, a Brazilian singer and model with a relaxed voice.
As with the previous single, Akihiro Horikoshi, formerly of the Escalators, co-produced the sound.

褐色のマリア -MARIA-

Laranja's new song "Wiseman's clap" is instrumental with scat.
It's a track that adds modernity and pop elements to the original Brazilian crossover band sound which Laranja has pursued.
It was composed by Laranja herself, Yoko Yamazaki.
Featured scat vocal is by Chihiro Sings.
Co-producer is Akihiro Horikoshi, formerly of the Escalators, a pioneer in the Japanese acid jazz scene.

Wiseman's Clap

The first song, "THE FIRST STAR," is a contemporary-style, space-breaking melody, scat, and instrumental improvisation, with a thrilling bridge and strings section that is a must-hear. The string section is a must-listen.
The scatting features Chihiro Sings, a singer and picture book author with a wide range of activities. The programming string bridge section was composed and co-produced by Akihiro Horikoshi, former keyboardist of Escalators (Nippon Columbia/Triad), who gained popularity in the Shibuya-kei and acid jazz scene in the 1990s.

The First Star(Live from afrontier @ Motion Blue YOKOHAMA)

Orange and Violet

Robe Of Feathers

Yoko Yamazaki * Laranja : Keyboard,Comporse
http;//www.laranja-world.com

Guest Musician
Chihiro Sings（from Piece of Peace） : Vocal
Tomohisa Himeno : Flute
Quengo Watanabe : Bass
Takatoshi Inoue : Drums

Paradis Musical

SALIDA

One day's rehearsal

Yoko Yamazaki *Laranja(Terrafonica) : Keyboard

Mari(Erva Verde/Terrafonica) : Vocal
Tomohisa Himeno : Flute
Quengo Watanabe : Bass
Soeji(Brasil Shokai) : Drums

Rainha(cover)_RH

Information for Laranja's new single which will be realeased on Jan.6th, 2013.

Vayu & Saraswati : teaser

Yoko Yamazaki a.k.a Laranja （Pianist / Keyboardist / Writer and Composer・Arranger）




She is active in Japan and abroad with her solo project Laranja, focusing on Brazilian crossover music, including MPB, she mixes the benefits of all kinds of music with her own unique world view, and produces music full of color.
She has the core of sound cultivated by classical piano and the groove of Brazilian fusion, her piano, sometimes passionate, sometimes subtle, is like hitting the surface of the water and leaves a lasting impression.
Her music has been used on TV and radio in Japan and abroad, and is highly supported by DJs of various genres.
Since 2006, she has released several singles and albums. (Co-produced by Akihiro Horikoshi, former keyboardist of Escalators (Nippon Columbia/Triad), who gained popularity in the Shibuya-kei and acid jazz scene in the 1990s.)

She has performed at "afrontier", one of the biggest club events in Yokohama, and her music is included in the afrontier compilation series.
She is also active in supporting artists (composing and playing keyboard for Namy, Streamline and Atsuko Hiyadada, Snowk, Tokimeki Records, Kenichiro Nishihara, NOA NOA, Fontana Folle...etc., playing keyboard), and creating music for commercials. 

Laranja's one-man Live at Motion Blue YOKOHAMA in 2016 was held to a packed house while admission was restricted.
In 2017, Laranja performed at the Festival do Japão, one of the world's largest Japanese festivals, which drew 180,000 people in three days in Sao Paulo, Brazil,
She has performed at many events and in the media in Sao Paulo, performing on stage to a heart-to-heart with the local Brazilians.
In 2019, her instrumental song "Peacock's Blue" ranked #4 in Latin Top Songs and #5 in Jazz Top Songs on the Dutch iTunes Store.

In 2021, Laranja released "A Última Fortaleza (Michele Chiavarini Remix)" remixed by Michele Chiavarini, a leading Italian multi-instrumentalist who has participated in hundreds of recordings by world-famous artists such as Christina Aguilera, Ray Charles, and Diana Ross, on the house label Spirit Soul.
It has been well received by DJs around the world and played frequently in Japan and abroad.

Spotify : https://qr.paps.jp/NzTvn
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yoko_laranja/
Official Website : http://www.laranja-world.com/

Laranja(Yoko Yamazaki)

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