Customer Reviews

Enchanted Evening

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kitaro has the gift to liberate my mind from the workaday and cast it free into realms of contemplation -- and nowhere more than in this CD, enhanced by the fact that it was recorded during a live performance, which makes me feel as if I am participating in a ritual.

I always imagine that I can hear the wind rushing over the deserts between one outpost and another of the Silk Roads.

My favorite cut on this CD is the actual segment called "Silk Road." I have heard it in several different performances; the way Kitaro alters the tempo in this one strikes me as the most emotionally satisfying.

I find the last segments, especially the taiko drums, exciting and frequently listen to them when I want to rev up my concentration so I can work effectively.

Kitaro is a master musician, but like the sources he has learned from, he is also adept in helping listeners reach into their own lives and souls.

This album is simply stunning. Nothing else I have heard from Kitaro or anyone else, has approached the breathtaking, astonishing power and beauty of this particular album.

It is powerful.

The word 'special' is only trite. I can't really convey my thoughts on this album with mere words. The album smoothly and successfully runs the gamut from delicate beauty to crushing intensity. Turn down the lights, lose your MTV- concept of music and marvel at the masterful, organic, exotic arrangements of this vastly underrated musician. The songs, thankfully, are all instrumentals and build tension and hold it as long as Kitaro wishes. Once you open your mind, there is something very warm and accessible about the music and Kitaro even rocks a little. But the use of traditional instruments and their sound on this recording reminds you that this is not pop. Such a word is an insult to an album like this. Truly world class music. An 800 pound gorilla on a 5" disk. Don't even think twice- buy it.

Kitaro channels himself effectively through every instrument he plays. From the soulful electric guitar wailing of 'Mandala' (where I detect some David Gilmour influence - one lick in particular is from the song 'Hey You') to the delicate grace of 'Dance of the Sarasvati', the powerful 'Kokoro' to the beautiful strains of 'Silk Road' (among others) this is a CD that can be played again and again. Each song has a distinctive texture to it and the 'live feel' of the recording can give the impression that one is at the concert in person. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys music performed with passion and intensity. But those with 'MTV-itis' be warned: every song except one is over seven minutes long. (With some such as 'Kokoro' and 'Heaven and Earth' exceeding twelve minutes.) But then maybe this can be an aid to shedding the plague of short-attention-span that infects many of this generation. One can only hope anyway...

There is a concert dvd to this cd,if you've never seen the skill in his musicianship,a must see. Watching him play the Taiko drums,I wondered how his arms never fell off. And then he picks up the guitar and plays Kokoro along with the main guitarist who plays an excellant solo with emotion.
I always recommend this cd to people who never heard of Kitaro. If this doesn't inspire them, nothing will.

this man and his music surely must have a special place and heart

This cd was released 24 days after our son passed away in a car accident in 1995. Bought this cd and my soul has never been so full of emotion. "Silk Road" brings me to tears always. Plus we got to see this concert 'live' in Seattle in the same year during the month of November. My wife and I sat there in tears from the opening number. Which just happened to be "Silk Road"!!!!! It was like he knew we were there to witness music history. Such a moving performance and soul stirring artist of world renown. His music is far and above anything in existence today. The power and energy he uses makes him an artist beyond any others in existence in the universe of world music by any standard!!!

Kitaro is one of the most passionate, inspired artists around. This CD inspires visions of sweeping vistas of grandeur with Heaven and Earth and a peaceful, romantic stroll with the soft strains of Silk Road. Every track is deserving of an award!

I got this CD based on the reviews. I was unable to listen to any samples, as none were allowed for this album. It wasn't what I had expected. The music is generally of a different genre than what I had wanted, louder, more energetic. I wanted something more meditative, peaceful and contemplative. Doesn't say anything about the album and music itself, just about what I had expected and been looking for.

I love this type of music. It is easy listening and it brings me peace when life is very hectic. All of Kitaro's music is very unique and beautiful.

The beat! The Rythym ! Turn it on soft or blast it! The music is earth moving!!! No matter your mood, Kitaro fills it up with his native music that will for sure make you come back for more albums. This is a must album to hear!

Carol~