Traditional Japanese Music

Product Description
These recordings are both relaxing and meditative. Capturing the spiritual flavor of traditional Japanese culture and performed by Yoshikazu Iwamoto Shakuhachi master of the Japanese flute.

Traditional Japanese Music,Yoshikazu Iwamoto Shakuhachi

Average customer rating: Japanese Taiko Interesting New Drum Sounds Amazing Japanese drumming...! One of the best Taiko collections I've heard

Japanese Taiko Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Drums of Tokyo Japanese Drums Big Bang Kodo - One Earth Tour Special (Bonus CD) Tataku: The Best of Kodo, Vol. 2 (1994-1999) ASIN: B0002IQCDO Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

1. Harvest
2. Pageant
3. Haru - Ichiban
4. Musashi Mai Uchi
5. Hokkai II
6. Chido-Setsu
7. Suisei - Hanabi (Comet - Fire Works - Shooting Star)
8. Heart Beat
9. Yuki Jizoh (An Old Tale)

Customer Reviews:

Japanese Taiko.......2007-01-11

I was first introduced to this throught a PBS program about taiko in America. Taiko is nothing but pure hardcore drumming. These aren't a bunch of guys sitting on their --- tapping out rhythms. They're beating the crap out of these drums. I'm sure there are youtube videos out there, it's a must if you've never seen how they play them.

This is my first taiko cd. As the other reviews said, the first song is the best, it is absolutly intense. The whole cd is great though. If you work out, this is a perfect cd to listen to while doing so. If you can sit still while listening to this, I'd be very surprised. Buy it, you won't regret it!

Interesting New Drum Sounds.......2006-05-15

I play an African Djembe, and am always looking to find new styles of drumming to incorporate into my playing. I'd been wanting to buy a Taiko CD, and picked this one at random. The first song is absolutely amazingly rockin'. I've listened to the CD twice, and while the first song leaps out and grabs you, I didn't find the rest of the CD to have that same crazy energy. Don't get me wrong - the rest of the CD is enjoyable, but the first song just blows the rest of the disc away.

Edited to add: So I've been listening to this CD for a while. I'm really not very crazy about it. The first time I heard the first song I really liked it, but it got old really fast. The selection of percussive instruments on this CD just bores me. There's just not enough variety for me - but then again, I'm used to listening to a lot of African music where you have djuns, sangbans, djembes, bells - all with a wide variety of different ways to play them. All in all, I suppose that this is still a good cd, but it's just not for me.

Amazing Japanese drumming...!.......2004-09-27

Another fine album by one of the major stars of the modern taiko drumming scene... Hirota's innovative compositions are audacious and ambitious; the skill and precision with which his ensemble perform them is nothing short of amazing. There are modernizations and meter shifts that may be questionable -- depending on your personal tastes or inclinations -- but for taiko fans, even those who prefer a more traditional style, this disc is a must. This is the music being played at its highest and most challenging level... Recommended!

One of the best Taiko collections I've heard.......2004-09-04

This is without a doubt one of the BEST taiko CD's ever. We put this on (to test a new subwoofer) and the sound of the drums was clear, the contrasting sticks and bells came through sharp and defined. The rhythms are surprisingly jazzy and modern.

There are nine cuts on this CD: the first seems VERY long but it's actually shy of 8 minutes--some are longer, 9:31 and 10:46 . The first cut Harvest is by far the best, though I like the almost 11 minute Heart Beat a lot as well.

The thundering big drums have traditional rhythms, but merge into melodic "songs" of a more modern nature. The drums are of varying sizes and tuned to different tones, and there is auxiliary percussion (sticks on the drum frame and some other percussion as well) but the Taiko dominate.


I find Taiko very energizing and I play this CD to lift my mood, especially if doing household tasks. If you like percussion, this is absolutely a must-have cd. We were VERY impressed.

Average customer rating: Good Traditional Japanese music Super-relaxing One of the Best Japanese Music Album's I've found Softener for the ears... Beautiful and Relaxing!

Dinner Classics: The Japanese Album Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Japanese Melodies for Flute and Harp Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Koto Music of Japan The Very Best of Japanese Music Japanese Melodies ASIN: B0000026XT Release Date: 1990-05-17

Tracks:

1. Sakura, Sakura
2. Chin-Chin-Chidori
3. Yamanakabushi
4. Toryanse (Children's Song)
5. Chidori No Kyoku
6. Defune
7. Oharabushi
8. Shimabara No Komoriuta
9. Imayoh
10. Imayo
11. Chugoko-Chino-No-Komoriuta
12. Jogashima No Ame
13. Haru No Umi
14. Sakura, Sakura

Customer Reviews:

Good Traditional Japanese music.......2007-07-14

This is one of my favorite Japanese albums. If you're into traditional Japanese music this is a CD that you should have. I lost the one that I originally had and I finally bought another one. I couldn't beat the price and I think that this album is great.This is a must have CD if you're into this kind of music or just enjoy a broad spectrum of music.

Super-relaxing.......2007-03-05

A very good introduction to koto music and a lot less cheesy than the concept would suggest. The first track is by far the best.

One of the Best Japanese Music Album's I've found.......2006-11-04

Beautiful selection of Japanese music. Very calming and soothing music. Mainly slow, but does include some quicker pieces of music. Great variety of instruments used such as flute, violin and harpsichord. CD also includes recipe for a Japanese dinner. Great background music for a dinner party. If you like the Soundtrack to Memoirs of a Geisha, you'll enjoy this.

Softener for the ears..........2006-08-26

I am not satisfied with this version of traditional Japanese music at all. In my opinion traditional Japanese music is much more impressive and intense when played on original Japanese instruments. The best example is "Sakura, sakura", one of the most famous Japanese songs. When it is played on Koto and Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) instead of transverse flute it has a different feel and much better quality of expression.

The whole CD is like a softener for an audience which might not be used to a non western sound. At the same time it will get a wrong idea about what Japanese music is and will miss its real quality.

Beautiful and Relaxing!.......2005-07-29

A gentle sample of fine, traditional Japanese music at its best. Highly recommended for the novice - "1st timer" - as well as those of more cultured taste. Hauntingly beautiful.

Average customer rating: A Little Piece of total enjoyment Wonderful!

Flute For Relaxation Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corigliano | Corigliano, John | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Corigliano, John | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cello for Relaxation Guitar for Relaxation Violin for Relaxation Piano for Relaxation Chopin For Relaxation ASIN: B00004YC3A Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

1. Peer Gynt Ste No.1: Morning
2. Nocturne
3. Song Of The Seashore - James Galway/Susumu Miyashita/Ayako Shinozaki
4. Spartacus: Adagio Of Spartacus & Phrygia
5. Con Op.10 No.3 'Goldfinch': II. Cantabile - James Galway/Malcolm Proud
6. Serenade D.957 - James Galway/Philip Moll
7. Kinderszenen: Traumeri
8. La Flute De Pan: Pan And The Birds
9. Nocturne in E flat, Op.9 No.2
10. Red Dragonfly - James Galway/Susumu Miyashita/Ayako Shinozaki
11. Fl Qt in C, K.285b: Variation V - James Galway/Tokyo Str Qt
12. Orfeo Ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
13. Messiah: Pastoral Symphony
14. The Firebird: Berceuse
15. Dolly Ste: Berceuse
16. The Four Seasons: Con Op.8 No.4 'Winter': II. Largo - James Galway/Zagreb Soloists
17. Voyage
18. Suo-Gan (Lullaby) - James Galway/Emily Mitchell
19. Danny Boy

Customer Reviews:

A Little Piece of total enjoyment.......2007-05-12

This CD is the BOMB-- I really enyoy listening to it

Wonderful!.......2001-01-29

This is a great CD. If you're a James Galway fan, this is a must have. He is, after all, THE GREATEST flutist in the world today. The CD is filled with some of the most beautiful (and relaxing) music ever written. Buy it. You will love it.

Average customer rating: sounds of japan Beautyful relaxing CD The Enchanted Forest: Melodies of Japan a posie placed on a political border a touch of the irish

The Enchanted Forest: Melodies of Japan Fujikake , Japanese Traditional , Anonymous , James Galway , Hiro Fujikake , Michael Askill , and Greg White Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Galway, James | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Japanese Melodies for Flute and Harp James Galway ~ Meditations Japanese Folk Melodies Celtic Minstrel The Wind Beneath My Wings ASIN: B000003ES2 Release Date: 1990-02-20

Tracks:

1. The Enchanted Forest
2. Lyrical Short Piece
3. Nakasendo (The Old Road)
4. Zui Zui Zukkorobashi (Children's Play Song)
5. Star Children
6. Song Of The Deep Forest (Improvisation)
7. Tokuyama Lullaby
8. Hietsuki Bushi (Love Song)
9. Usuhiki Uta (Song of the Mill)
10. Love Song
11. Echoes
12. Song of Clay
13. Harukoma (Spring Horse-Dance)
14. Sakura (Cherry Blossom)
15. Romantic World

Customer Reviews:

sounds of japan.......2007-01-13

being a lover of good music i was surprised to see this cd. i listened to some of the selections and decided this was an excellent piece for my parents. being of japanese descent i am always looking for music from japan to enhance my cultural appreciation. my parents truly love this cd.

Beautyful relaxing CD.......2006-03-16

I used this cd while massaging patients in a local hospital. Everyone just loved it.I bought extra for family. Just Great!

The Enchanted Forest: Melodies of Japan.......2005-10-22

I would not rate this the very best James Galway CD but it does contain the best song I have heard him play. Cut #3, Nakasendo (The Old Road) is worth the price of the CD alone. While Hietsuki Bushi (Love Song) and Song of the Deep Forest are also excellent, I never tire of listening to The Old Road. Hiro Fujikake on synthesizers combined with the flute of James Galway makes this a very pleasing collection of music.

a posie placed on a political border.......2002-05-19

I don't DISLIKE this cd, but really it is a poor interpretation of Japanese flute music. It sounds more like an uninspired Enya clone than traditional Japanese music. No matter how many times I listened to it, it never could really interest me enough to be more of my life than another cd in my scrapped CD's pile.

a touch of the irish.......2002-05-11

no need to compare rampal to galway,, two masters here, and on this cd, galway continues to demonstrate his tremendous talent and world wide appeal. without rampal , he is now the worlds greatest flautist , period

Average customer rating:

Heartbeat Kodo 25th Anniversary Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kodo - One Earth Tour Special (Bonus CD) Sai-So: The Remix Project Tataku: The Best of Kodo, Vol. 2 (1994-1999) Drums of Tokyo Japanese Taiko ASIN: B000LPS4MK Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Lion
2. Irodori
3. Zoku
4. Ibuki
5. SHAKE
6. Miyake
7. Kyosui
8. Yatai-Bayashi
9. Berimbau Jam
10. Strobe's Nanafushi
11. Floor
12. Biei
13. Chonlima
14. Kuyurage

Average customer rating: mixed feelings The title of this album is absolutely correct: the BEST

The Very Best of Japanese Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) Dinner Classics: The Japanese Album Traditional Japanese Music Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute ASIN: B0002234P4 Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. Yamaji - Yamato Ensemble
2. Kabuki Gomen-Jyo! - Wadaiko Matsuriza
3. Komoro Bushi - Clive Bell
4. Futatsu No Den-En-Shi I (Pastoral) - Yamato Ensemble
5. Gaku (Let's Have Fun!) - Wadaiko Matsuriza
6. Kumoi Jishi (Celestial Lion Dance) - Richard Stagg
7. Hoshun [Springtime] - Yamato Ensemble
8. Midare (Disarray)
9. Dzauku (Hunter) - Nihon Daiko

Customer Reviews:

mixed feelings.......2007-01-28

i bought this cd an while ago and never wrote a review, but since i rely so heavily on these review, i figured i better give back. here goes.

some of this cd is phenominal, and some of it could be passed over. not that its not good, just not to my taste. i tend to gravitate more to the soft, drastic contrast between the bamboo flute and the koto, but more soothing sound. the only problem with this cd is that it goes from something like this to a drum routine, that while isnt bad, is so diffrent that is doesnt flow well. id rather use the drum tracks as one cd, and the other music as another.

so in a way, if you have no real idea what types of japanese music you like but you are curious, this is a great cd because it gives a great variety and from this you can isolate sounds you like and shop more educated. in this way it does serve a great purpose, but only temporarily for me...once i found the tracks i liked, i added them to a playlist on my laptop and hardly use the disc anymore.

The title of this album is absolutely correct: the BEST.......2004-05-09

I have some strange affinity for all things Japanese (this has been so since I was a little kid.) And that goes for Japanese music. I love the wild sound of the shakuhachi flute--which sounds like a bird soaring to me. And the sound of the koto is like rain dropping on garden leaves. This album has a fine selection of music ranging from koto and shakuhachi to the syncopated, Polynesian sound of taiko drumming (always a delight.)

My favorites are the Yamato Ensemble's opening koto and shakuhachi "Yamaji" and "Hoshun" (Springtime) and the taiko piece "Gaku" --"Let's Have Fun!" of Wadaiko Matsuriza. But it's hard to choose--as the entire album is truly the best. If you like Japanese music, or want to learn to like it, you cannot go wrong with this delightful sampler. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Average customer rating: Best ever compiliation Japanese music A truly mixed bag Quite Good! A Strong Collection

Samurai Collection Various Artists Manufacturer: Pacific Moon [Alleg] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Samurai Collection II The Very Best of Japanese Music Pacific Moon, Vol. 1-2 Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) East Wind ASIN: B0001EFU4G Release Date: 2004-03-02

Tracks:

1. Wings Of The Eagle - Uttara-Kuru
2. Rising Sun - Kiyoshi Yoshida
3. Winter Dance - Uttara-Kuru
4. First Image - Uttara-Kuru
5. Flowers - Kiyoshi Yoshida
6. The Lucky Spirit - Kiyoshi Yoshida
7. Neyuki - Uttara-Kuru
8. Forest - Kiyoshi Yoshida
9. Tsugaru - Uttara-Kuru
10. Midare Uchi - Kiyoshi Yoshida
11. Konjaku Monogatari - Eri Sugai
12. Wooden Ship - Uttara-Kuru

Album Description

From Japan, with its SAMURAI culture - a culture of a distinct spirit and philosophy - comes music expressive of the Japanese sense of aesthetics. This compilation album by PACIFIC MOON features a rich assortment of traditional musical instruments from Japan. Thundering taiko drums, sweeping shakuhachi flutes, rhythmic Buddhist chants, and meditative koto harp... Enter the passionate and mystical realm of the SAMURAI.

To enhance your enjoyment of the music, fragrant incense sticks are included in the spine of the CD jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Best ever compiliation.......2007-02-09

I have just recieved this album and find it both relaxing and uplifting. The various tracks give an exellent overall feeling of the Japnese modern music. There is however one track in particular that effects me emotionally and that is the track br Eri Sugai. The words I do not understand but the tone and melody of both her voice and instrumentals are very moving. To any one who would enjoy Japanese style music I would highly recommend this CD.

Japanese music.......2007-01-07

A good CD of well played soothing Japanese music. A great CD to chill out with.

A truly mixed bag.......2005-07-26

The Samurai collection is an odd item. Most compilations take their songs from more than two albums... this one does not, apart from one track by Eri Sugai.

The Album Description claims that the album is "music expressive of the Japanese sense of aesthetics..." and "features a rich assortment of traditional musical instruments from Japan." If using Japanese instruments in western music is expressive of Japanese culture, then they must really like new age over there... because this album is mostly new age music.

Uttara-kuru's pieces in particular feel disctinctly western, and both artists use synthesized instruments from time to time. "Tsugaru" actually uses a synth club/trance beat for much of its length, completely throwing the album's narrow sense of continuity out the window.

There are some gems, as medievalcrusadesbabe mentioned, but they do not justify the purchase price.

The music on this album isn't bad... it just isn't great, and certainly wasn't what I was expecting based on the description above. If you need something light with an asian tang to play at the bookstore where you work, then by all means purchase this album. Otherwise, check out the two (okay, three) artists out individually, and don't bother with this unnecessary experiment in record fusion.

Oh and I forgot to mention that the incense sticks included in this, as with other Pacific Moon cds, are of very low quality. They burn fast and may irritate those with allergies. Try Shoyeido incense if your want quality Japanese sticks without the reaction.

Quite Good!.......2004-08-04

I've occasionally taken a fancy for music from around the world (as an alternative to alternative, progressing from progressive, rolling away from rock, etc.)....Asian music is no exception from my interest!

There are several strong pieces on this collection. All of them are good quality and you can easily pick out which one of the three artists in this collage is playing just by listening for a few moments.

The ethereal strains of Yoshida-sama's drum/synth/wind compositions have what I call "long legs" as it seems to take virtually no time to fly through the song. The rolling melody in each is backed up by a strong rolling drum line. It's this percussive precession that make the pieces move so quickly. This music seems to lend itself well to imagery of a lone person atop a horse riding across broad, hilly plains.

Uttara-Kuru's compositions are, as another reviewer put it, much more traditional-feeling. The pieces still get some modern touches here and there, but the focus is generally on the skillful manipulation of a shakuhachi flute.

It's worth a listen if you're even remotely interested. The sample clips don't do it justice, but they give you the general idea!

A Strong Collection.......2004-04-30

Samurai Collection presents us with some of the best Pacific Moon has to offer. Included here are Uttara -Kuru, Kiyoshi Yoshida and Eri Sugai

This mixed disk focuses on Japanese Flute, Asian Drumming and also includes a vocal track by Eri Sugai. The tracks from Uttara Kuru are from the `East Wind' CD. The Kiyoshi Yoshida tracks are from the CD `Asian Drum' and the Eri Sugai track is from her `Mai' CD.

The pieces are chosen for their emotional draw. The drumming tracks are vibrant and forceful contrasting the flute tracks which, while still powerful, are more subtle yet skillfully done. Neither lacks power and effectively stands up to each other.

The titles chose are interesting as well. They draw upon the imagery of Japan, as in `Wings of the Eagle', or the simple elegance of nature as in `Winter Dance'. We see through the eyes of the artist their impressions of their homeland, from the spirituality presented in `The Lucky Spirit' and the vocal sampling in `Konjaku Monogatari' by Eri Sugai, to the day to day visuals in `Wooden Ship'.

While some pieces show definite western influence, there are some very traditional pieces. `First Image' is a solo Koto performance in the traditional style, invoking very strong Japanese imagery.

As always, Pacific Moon includes a booklet in English and Japanese with some short blurbs on the music, so you are not totally lost, and the incense in the CD case to enhance your listening experience.

A very lovely presentation, and one that will introduce you to the artists, give you a good taste of the Japanese musical experience and lay the foundation for future exploration of Japanese World Music.
mafoster

Average customer rating: Not a musicologist Best of Kodo CD good trumming Poor Recording Fantastic Album

The Best of Kodo Kodo Manufacturer: Tristar ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tataku: The Best of Kodo, Vol. 2 (1994-1999) Japanese Taiko Drums of Tokyo Kodo - One Earth Tour Special (Bonus CD) Japanese Drums ASIN: B0000020FP Release Date: 1994-01-18

Tracks:

1. Lion
2. Irodori
3. Yumi-Ga-Hama
4. Zoku
5. Kazauta
6. Monochrome
7. Yu-Karak II
8. Yatai Bayashi

Customer Reviews:

Not a musicologist.......2007-02-02

I'm not a musicologist, but like someone who visits an art museum, I know what I like. I was fascinated by the percussionists on the Mitsubishi commercials, and I called Mitsubishi to find out who they are. The company got so many phone calls, the switchboard people had the info on hand.

There's something about percussion that is both primitive and soulful. Sometimes, nothing else will satisfy. I recommend this CD, which is both primitive and modern, making the old sound new and the new sound like it is infused with history.

Best of Kodo CD.......2007-01-04

The music was great and just what I expected. There hasn't been a problem the CD.

good trumming.......2004-05-05

this is a beautiful trumming cd rigth now i whish i can have the vol 2 of the best of kodo but i have patience becouse i have the vol 1 this one is the first kodo cd and is good to begun from firts vol 1 that is for me the best trumming cd a ever have ben hear in the world music so any one that like trumm music i tell you please buy it and you will see the diference . good luck and have a good day, that it allways will be whit me whit this musik!!!

Poor Recording.......2002-09-13

The other review is correct about the dynamic range, but the actual problems go beyond that. The transfer is not smooth sounding. I think the recording perspective is often too distant and there is very little low frequency extension, and both of these factors make me reluctant to turn the volume up. Unfortunately, unless you want to gain ride, you must do this in order to hear the quiet parts. It is as though the recording engineer was just learning, or doesn't know any better. And let's not get into typical mastering and production problems. * I see the New York and New Jersey Taiko groups live once in awhile, and that's the way to do this genre, I think, even to a greater extent than with other kinds of music. Of course, Kodo's music and performance is far more advanced than Soh Daiko's...maybe Kodo's other recordings are better.

Fantastic Album.......2002-03-15

Kodo is simply the best at what they do. That's to say, Taiko with the emphasis on the music (especially drumming) and less on the festival aspect. It's true that the CD has a tremendous dynamic range, and that if you don't enjoy loud parts you'll be playing with the volume. This would be true if you bought a copy of Beethoven's Ninth, as well. Not all music is supposed to be the same volume all the time. In fact on this CD a number of tracks depend on them changing the volume of the drumbs by huge amounts.

I've also heard this CD with and without a subwoofer and although the music is interesting either way, you won't get the full effect if you can't feel the music. I've seen them in person, however, and I can verify that parts are very quiet, and parts will knock your socks off!

Average customer rating: Very nice, but I think I may be cured japanese Flute A peek into the Japanese concept of musical composition Instant Tranquility It's A Goodie!

The Art of Japanese Bamboo Flute & Koto Yamato Ensemble With Richard Stagg Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute Koto Music of Japan Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) The Very Best of Japanese Music ASIN: B000001IHL Release Date: 1994-06-21

Tracks:

1. Hachidan
2. Zangetsu
3. Shika No Tone
4. Yaegoromo
5. Yamaji

Customer Reviews:

Very nice, but I think I may be cured.......2007-01-12

This review is about me. I think I'm finally cured of trying to get in touch with the real Japan through its music. I think I became part of a bubble where people like me create a demand and other people, with the best of intentions, do their best to satisfy it, and together we float off to God knows where. I guess for me the bubble just burst. Partly what burst it was noticing how much supposedly traditional Japanese music consisted of variations on traditional melodies. It is possible that that's authentic, but I suspected it had more to do with the musicians than the music. It sowed doubts and pricked the bubble. All this is no fault of this fine recording.

japanese Flute.......2006-03-23

G'day, I teach T'ai Chi and the sound work's well for my teaching.

Cheers Joseph a bit over 13 hitting 74 and going well.

A peek into the Japanese concept of musical composition.......2002-09-12

On this CD, the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and koto (Japanese stringed banjo) are played in such a way that one instrument trails the other in an interesting way. The music on this CD brings to light the different mentality of Japanese music; whereas Western harmony plays simultaneously, perhaps in counterpoint, the Japanese concept of composition staggers the musical line in time, so that one instrument follows the lead of the other--a bit like "Row Row Row Your Boat" (a canon or round) but not exactly. It's more like jazz improvisation, where the lead instrument of the moment, takes the rest of the combo on a musical ride.

It's hard to write about what you hear, but I liked this CD and found real insight into some aspects of Japanese music. Fascinating.

Instant Tranquility.......2000-09-29

This is just a great CD. Whenever I need to restore inner harmony after work, or dealing with any upsetting situation, this is the one I go to. Instantly I am transported to the calm, soothing setting of a traditional Japanese house and garden. It is fantastic for meditation, too. Let all the nonessentials of life slip away while you listen to this beautiful recording.

It's A Goodie!.......2000-04-30

One of my favorite CDs. Light some incense and get ready to be transported to Japan. Ideal for meditation or just soothing background music, this CD is a must for anyone who has wondered where to buy the type of music typically heard in Japanese restaurants. It produces a calming effect being that this CD has no "screeching" licks -- a trait which sometimes characterizes music performed on the Koto. This CD would also help create superb ambiance at your next sushi party! While (it is fairly obvious) I am not versed in Japanese music, I know that I love this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Driving the Beat Brilliant mix by a wonderful group Phenomenal percussion album

Tataku: The Best of Kodo, Vol. 2 (1994-1999) Kodo Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Drums of Tokyo Kodo - One Earth Tour Special (Bonus CD) Japanese Taiko Japanese Drums Big Bang ASIN: B000056T6T Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

1. Ibuki
2. Shake (Istuka Mata)
3. Song Of The Universe
4. Kirina's Theme (Bamboo Flute Version)
5. The Hunted
6. Ao-ki Kaze (Wind From The Steppes)
7. Kyosui
8. Nanafushi
9. Strobe's Nanfushi
10. Bird Island
11. Niji No Ragori (Rainbow Traces)

Customer Reviews:

Driving the Beat.......2007-05-12

Kodo's performance on this album is not up to their usual high standards. While the Celtic influences are still there, the driving, pounding emotion which is usually found in Kodo's music is lacking.

Brilliant mix by a wonderful group.......2002-03-20

This is a great mix of Kodo's music. It's almost tough to appreciate how good they are if you've never seen them live. Thes are a band of dedicated athlete / musicians who's performances are spectacular to watch and listen to.

This album is a good collection of their stuff form some of their other albums. I particularly enjoy the last track "Niji no Nagori" which includes haunting vocals and tremendous dynamic and rhythmic range.

If you are a Kodo fan , you will love this album. If you're new to Kodo, this is a good album to get a sense of their range.

Phenomenal percussion album.......2001-03-04

This CD contains a good mix of stuff, both traditional & untraditional/experimental/fusion stuff. "Shake-Itsukamata" will have you up & dancing within about 2.4 seconds (if it takes that long.) It is propulsing & driving and everything fast, loud and rowdy one would want from a percussion ensemble. The cymbals are awesome.

"Ucho No Uta" is one of the newer style pieces. It has some atmospheric keyboard stuff on it. Although it is the worst track on the album it still isn't bad, it would be good morning exercise music I suppose.

"Kirna's Theme" is a short flute piece and a suprise inclusion considering there is NO percussion on it. It is very pretty though.

"Aoki Kazi" is quite stirring, it includes some string instruments as well as flute & drums. Very moving piece, it reminds of something that might have been on the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" soundtrack. (I'm not saying that Chinese & Japanese music sound alike, but there is a similar synthesis of percussion with western sounding forms.) It is a definate highlight.

"Nanafushi" has an irresistable groove, the main drums are similar to western snare drums and have almost a marching band feel to them (Japanese style marching band of course.) To make an interesting comparison is "Nanafushi" next to "Strobe's Nanafushi." This is from the famous Kodo: Remix cd. You could easily hear this song in a loud nightclub in Tokyo, New York or London. Fun & driving...and completely untraditional.

"Bird Island" is a frentic piece with flutes & drums. One can just imagine themselves surrounded by birds that are singing their hearts out. This one is very cool.

The disc closes with "Niji No Nagori" which is one of the strongest tracks on the CD. It is a slow piece that incorporates not only drum & flute, but also various percussion devices, handclapping & voice (which is a very nice touch.) Eventhough there is some fast drumming in it, the slow flute part makes it seem like a slow groove. THe voice is amazing. It is the perfect closer for the disc.

This would be a perfect intro to the world of KODO, or all of taiko style drumming for that matter.

Highly recommended.

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