Aoi Teshima

For general information, refer
Aoi Teshima @Wiki.theppn
Aoi Teshima Official Website (Japanese)

Here are 3 sample tracks I selected, download here
1. Therru no Uta (Song of Therru)
2. Ryuu (Dragon)
3. Kishi wo Hanareru Hi (The day I left the shore)


Aoi Teshima (手嶌葵), a low profile singer famous for her hit single 'Therru no Uta', the theme song of Ghibli animation 'Gedo Senki' directed by Goro Miyazaki, recently released her 2nd album 'Haru no Kashuu'. There isn't much information on the net about this singer and I doubt there ever will be given she's neither rock nor mainstream pop, in fact nothing that'll make her a central figure in the commerical world. Teshima is in essence a shy and humble choir girl whose unobtrusive voice soothes your senses and reminds you of our love for nature, for the pure and for love itself.

The first song I heard is none other than 'Therru no Uta'. It's a simple folk song with minimal arrangement, a wise choice as the prose style lyrics delivered in a pure voice deserve more attention and its gentle sadness is distilled in the silence of melody. There is a small universe and vibrant dimension in her voice, which is like a string that quavers at the end of each note, sending out ripples spreading into a far more spacious world than the sky the eagle roams (as what's depicted in the song). It's a strangely comfortable voice that doesn't put stress on any particular syllable but elevates your imagination and evokes images of peace. For 'Therru no Uta', I see ruins of a lost generation resting silently under eagle's wings and a grassland swinging with low clouds.

Her second album 'Haru no Kasshu' is the exact same skin as her debut album 'Gedo Senki Kasshu', which includes ballads and folk songs. Technically speaking you'd wonder what's so special about her as a singer per se? There're probably thousands of choir girls like her who just don't have the chance and luck to be chosen by Suzuki (producer of Ghibli). But there she is singing what she likes, touching many heartstrings with her humbleness and genuine love for nature. You can't hate her. Grins =D (What kinda review is this -.-!! Sorry but you'll have to buy it.)


DISCOGRAPHY
Singles: Therru no Uta (06 June 07)
Albums: Gedo Senki Kashuu (06 July 12) & Haru no Kashuu (06 Feb 07)



Live performance of Kishi wo Hanareru Hi (The day I left the shore)