Customer Reviews

Koto Music of Japan

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

 

 

Budget labels like Laserlight can be a real mixed bag, sometimes the worst touristy garbage, but sometimes high quality music originally issued by smaller independent labels. This album was originally issued as Everest 3206 - "Classical Japanese Koto Music", probably 30+ years ago. This is one of Laserlight's bargains.

If you ever wondered about that strange music in Japanese mystery films, this is it. The Zumi-Kai Instrumental Group has a sound that can be described as 'spaced-out' and very abstract. This recording brings the higher end of Japanese culture and gives it a push into the future. For this is traditional music that will last into the coming centuries. There are five compositions averaging over 9 minutes apiece. These lengthy, intense tunes extend out in blissful atonality. Great for an evening of relaxation, a dinner party, or just meditating on life. Reflection is the mood, peace the goal in this serious set of music.

This alblum was my first of Japanese music. It has only a few tracks, but those tracks are each quite extensive pieces. The first three songs are purely instrumental, the Koto is primary with the shakuhachi contributing. The last 2 songs are slightly different stylistically, they have an added element of vocals. It is a cheap brand, but I think it is a good buy for someone who wants to hear a fairly good execution of traditional Koto music.

great cd wise it had more songs but im not complaining! I only got it for a penny!!

I purchased this CD of Koto Music to set the mood for me as I style and care for my beloved Bonsai collection. As I was working on the trees and listening to the background Koto music, I noticed the trees responding to the music (we share a deep empathy). So now I play the music where they can "hear" it whenever I am tending, watering, feeding or just contemplating my trees. It makes for a very enjoyable experience.
I would like to have had a little more info in the liner notes - such as artist bios and some descriptions of these specific instruments.

A great primer for traditional Japanese music. Very relaxing.

This album was also re-released on the legacy label and is reviewed here at under the same album name - [...]

Assuming this CD lacks the problems described by a reviewer for the other release, then I agree with the other reviewers for this CD. The quality of performance is not quite as high as some other offerings, but the pieces aren't difficult or complex. The album is very enjoyable, despite whatever flaws, real or imagined.

These guy shred with the best! Honestly- this music has a certain effect on me and will on you as well.