Silent River Runs Deep Japan レコード& CD

Review: Known for his work with natural sound-making things, such as water, wood, and stones, Japanese composer Yoshiaki Ochi's Natural Sonic is a pretty defining chapter in the artist's career, given it conjures feelings of being in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature's wonder and mystery, within about two seconds of pressing play on delicate percussive opener, 'Dawning'.

From there that imagery only grows more vivid. 'Woods From The Sea', for example, actually sounds like you're hauled up on a beach tapping out rhythms with timber washed up from some shipwreck or other. 'Ear Dreamin'' entices with its trickles and chimes, like exploring some hidden cave or thick rainforest. 'Madal Sonic' is pure tribal stuff. Like an enthralling fantasy, with the narrative open for your to write, this is a deep and truly immersive joy.

Review: Originally released in Japan on CD-only back in 2018, Yoshiharu Takeda's superb debut album Aspiration has finally made it to vinyl. Blending gentle jazz sounds with melodic, metallic percussion instruments, pedal steel and more, the set's 10 tracks are softly spoken soundscapes shot through with subtle references to traditional Asian and South American musical styles. It's a brilliant blend that will appeal to a range of listeners, including those inspired by deep jazz, 'Fourth World' style ambient business, new age enthusiasts and those keen on exploring a range of global musical styles. Above all, though, Aspiration is evocative, atmospheric and emotion-rich, offering soothing musical medication for tired ears.