"Singer/composer/arranger/producer Mari Iijima makes a triumphant statement with her 17th original album, entitled Right now. Right now signals a very exciting chapter in Iijima’s rich career for many reasons.

One of these reasons is that Right now marks Iijima’s re-emergence as the sole composer (of all music and lyrics of every song), producer and arranger for the entire production. Being in artistic and physical control of the project was of the utmost priority for Iijima during this album, as the album is her first in years without using her previous co-producer. This excitement, freedom, and energy is reflected throughout the record.

Another reason for Right now’s deserving special attention is the witnessing of Iijima’s work with new collaborators. For example, for years, one of Mari’s goals was to work with the L.A. supergroup Toto. On Right now she does just that! Steve Lukather, Mike Porcaro, and Simon Phillips appear on many of the tracks on the new album as Iijima’s backing band, sharing their talents and sounds strongly everywhere. This is a special treat, as Toto rarely is seen on other records as a unit like this. Phillips also lent his hand in engineering the album. On the remaining tracks, Iijima is backed by a group of her L.A. friends, who happen to be some of the top musicians in the world. (Gregg and Matt Bissonette, Robben Ford and Tim Pierce).

Finally, one can look to the songs! Every song on Right now expresses the deepest and most personal reflections from Iijima, and as always, shows a true artist at the peak of her form.

Along with the audio release of Right now, Iijima is releasing a video, The Making of “Right now”. This beautifully shot, all-digital video documents Mari in action, from the tracking sessions with Toto, to Mari playing piano in the studio, to special new interview segments shot in Los Angeles."

1 Take it easy (Mari Iijima) 2 Right now (Mari Iijima) 3 Pizza man (Mari Iijima) 4 Eternal summer (Mari Iijima) 5 Give it one more chance (Mari Iijima) 6 If you really want to know (Mari Iijima) 7 Sing for me (Mari Iijima) 8 You don't love me (Mari Iijima) 9 I love you, I don't love you (Mari Iijima) 10 Hope is floating (Mari Iijima) 11 I can't take it (Mari Iijima) 12 Rained again (Mari Iijima) 13 Heart's temperature, speed of light (Mari Iijima) Musicians: Mari Iijima: vocals and piano Simon Phillips: drums on (1), (2), (4), (7), (8) and (10) Steve Lukather: guitars on (1) (2) and (6) Mike Porcaro: bass on (1), (2), (4), (6), (7), (8) and (10) Jeff Babko: keyboards on (2), (3), (4), (6), (9) and (11) Gregg Bissonette: drums on (3), (5), (9) and (11) Matt Bissonette: bass on (3), (5), (9) and (11) Tim Pierce: guitars on (3), (4), (5), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) Robben Ford: guitars on (4)

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