- How did your recording go?
ANNA
:I
was a little nervous working with such prominent people in the
tango world. But they warmly welcomed me and told me that
they were really looking forward to working with me. I was
so happy to work with them. In Buenos Aires , I recorded
with two band members. I was able to work with both bands
in a very relaxed atmosphere but once we got started, I felt their
spirit and concentration. Every time they finished the session,
they asked me if I was satisfied with their performance –
they told me that they’d like to be my great back-up.
I was so thankful for their comments and I was so inspired by
them. They also told me that they love my clear voice -
it was so fresh to them since most female tango vocalists sing
in a husky voice. Horacio Ferrer (he put the lyrics to AstorPiazzolla’s
musics) said, “Your voice is like perfume….”.
I was a bit embarrassed by his comment.
It was such a sensational reunion with Leopoldo Federico since
we had played together 18 years before. This time he added
his bandoneon solo for me. There were so many good
surprises and the recording was one of the most unforgettable
experiences I’ve ever had. Including my putting songs
into music, I am so happy to say that I put all my devotion and
feelings into my 20th anniversary CD. Of course, I know
I still need to improve.
- When did you go to Buenos Aires for the first time?
Could you tell me more about it?
ANNA
:It
was on June 1988, 18 years ago. It was the beginning of
winter there. I was exhausted after a long 30-hour flight
form Japan . But surprisingly, Leopoldo Federico, whom I
mentioned earlier and some dancers I played with in Japan welcomed
me with a bouquet of yellow roses (my debut song was titled “Tango
of yellow roses”) I was so touched by their
warm welcome that I forgot how tired I was.
I was quite busy during the two weeks I was there. I had
so much to do in addition to my recording of a second album, such
as TV & radio appearances, interview from some magazines and
so on. Since the TV program I appeared in first, was a highly-watched
tango program, lots of people approached me in a familiar way
on the following day. After that, I got a lot of requests
to be on TV shows. I ended up appearing on 3 TV shows and
10 radio shows. Between my recoding and appearing on TV
shows, I made a guest appearance for Mr. Federico at the tango
bar “Casa Blanca”. I was extremely busy. I still
remember it well although it was so long ago. Buenos Aires
was such a memorable place for me.
- How are you finding Buenos Aires after 18 years?
ANNA
:Well,
I felt nostalgic as I expected – some cityscape were unchanged
and some were changed….
I had a great reunion and new encounter as well. I’ve
got another good memory. It was a great surprise to know
that the culture of “Tango music” was preserved here
and developed at the same time. I was so touched by
people in Buenos Aires showing their warm welcome with admiration
that I am Japanese, loving and singing “Tango”.
I felt the same way 18 years ago, too. It is really powerful
encouragement for me.
- You’ll have your 20th anniversary soon and you visited
Buenos Aires where “Tango” music was born. Do
you have even bigger dreams after 21st anniversary?
ANNA
:In
fact, one of my bigger dreams will come true soon. There
is a tango festival held in Buenos Aires on February every year
and I am going to perform at this festival coming this February!!
I was dreaming of performing this festival and my recording in
Buenos Aires this time made such a great opportunity. I’m
so excited!! Furthermore, my CD will be released by an Argentinean
record company and get on the market faster than it would in Japan
.
My further dreams are: releasing my CD
in France , Germany and U.S.A. , holding more concerts in different
countries and bridging countries around the world through my tango
singing. There won’t be any greater happiness than
having those dreams come true. I continue to have my dreams
and do my best diligently.
- We have to stay close to what will be happening to you
even more. Can you give any message to your fans just before
your 20th anniversary?
ANNA
:Thank
you all very much for your warm support always. I’m
so grateful and honor that I was able to be with you. Without
your support I couldn’t be what I am now. I would
like to concentrate all my energies into my 20th anniversary concerts.
I hope I can convey my gratitude through my song.
I hope to see all of you at the concerts at every venue.