Very Best of Japanese

A solid collection. Traditional instruments throughout include koto, shakuhachi (flute), taiko drums, jushichigen (zither), and shamisen (“a long-necked, fretless banjo). All expertly played. Compositions are a mix of traditional and more recently-composed in a traditional style. Read the very informative notes.

*1. Spare, peaceful duet of koto and shakuhachi that lyrically flows into passages of drama and passages of peace.
*2. Excellent drum composition. A blend of tempos and sounds make it a fascinating percussive journey. Some shouts/chants.
3. Solo flute on a traditional folk song. Slow, lyrical. Lovely.
4. Slow & haunting pastoral song w/wonderful emotion.
*5. Another great percussion piece that varys from quiet to busy. More metallic than #2, w/fun vocal help from the band.
6. Flute solo. Slow & hypnotic.
7. Koto/shakuhachi duet that varies from slow & dramatic to faster & more lively. Sweetly melodic throughout w/great playing.
8. Solo koto piece. Varying tempos & moods keep it unpredictable and create a sense of dramatic unsettledness.
*9. Lively & varied taiko composition w/lots of energy.
7/2004