(SekaiMusic)

After a impressive debut recording, pianist Hiroe Sekine follow things up with an equally impressive second effort, After The Rainfall (due out March 9th). Produced by Russell Ferrante, who also produced her first project, the music here expands to include a range of styles and influences from Brazilian to rock. Sekine sings or vocalizes on several tunes. She’s backed by an impressive lineup of talent, including saxophonist Bob Sheppard, drummer Peter Erskine, guitarist Larry Koonse, and bassists Darek Oles and Jimmy Johnson. Vocalist Arnold McCuller joins Sekine for a duet on Lennon and McCartney’s  “In My Life”. Also, covered nicely are tunes by Chick Corea, Toninho Horta, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Thelonious Monk. Sekine penned 4 of the project’s nine tracks. An outstanding effort from start to finish.