Fr0m mulemusiq’s Bandcamp site: “Altogether ten tracks by nine children of Brian Eno, Cluster, Arvo Pärt, and Steve Reich, who all express something honest and unsophisticated while using their machines and instruments in a heartfelt way. That is why „Enjoy The Silence Vol. 3“ bewitches in its overall atmosphere as Continue Reading
Japan
Various Artists – BBE: J Jazz volume 5: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1970-1988
From the BBE Bandcamp site: “This final volume features a selection of tracks that is as diverse as it is deep, reflecting the rich and varied Japanese jazz scene that spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, a golden era of innovation and creativity. J Jazz volume 5 Continue Reading
Ian Hawgood – 朝 (Morning)
I stumbled across Ian Hawgood’s work some months ago, and I ended up quite enjoying it, mainly because of the soft, gentle, natural droning sounds he comes up with. It’s best to read about his methodology below. From his Bandcamp site: “During the first lockdown here in the UK, I Continue Reading
Francesca Marongiu – Still Forms in Air
Mexican record label Umor Rex has released an album by Italian composer Francesca Marongiu, which is heavily influenced by some spectacular Japanese New Age/Ambient releases from the mid-1980s. This was a wonderful time for ambient music in Japan, and Francesca captures the spirit perfectly while adding her own spin.
Yoshiko Sai – Mikkou
Our dear friends over at Wewantsounds continue their tear of incredible reissues by reviving an absolute psychedelic funk monster album by Yoshiko Sai. From the Bandcamp site: “Wewantsounds is delighted to continue its Yoshiko Sai reissue program with the release of “Mikkou”, the Japanese singer-songwriter’s 2nd album released in 1976 Continue Reading
Masayuki Takayanagi New Direction Unit – Axis/Another Revolvable Thing
Blank Form Editions out of New York has reissued a concert by Japanese free jazz guitarist Masayuki “Jojo” Takayanagi from 1975. From their Bandcamp site: “Axis/Another Revolvable Thing is the second installment of Blank Forms’ archival reissues of the music of Japan’s eternal revolutionary Masayuki Takayanagi, following April is the Continue Reading
Toshiyuki Tsuchitori & Ryuichi Sakamoto – Disappointment / Hateruma
The void left by Ryuichi Sakamoto’s passing is far too immense to ever be filled. One can hope for a reissue here and there, for some lost studio and live recordings to resurface, and for some demos and live tracks to pop up. However, this month, we’re graced with a little Continue Reading
Eiko Ishibashi – For McCoy
Black Truffle is an intriguing new label that offers a fine album by composer Eiko Ishibashi, one that sounds like it would have found a place on ECM Records had circumstances been different. From the release’s Bandcamp site: “Black Truffle is pleased to announce For McCoy, a new work by Continue Reading
Hikari Honda – Japanese Folk 1
This will be the last post of 2025. I’ve had a long year, and the burnout is nasty, so expect a flood in 2026. I had the pleasure of being introduced to the music of Hikari Honda, a Japanese folk singer (oh, hell, yes, they still exist!) who is based Continue Reading
Hitomi “Penny” Tohyama – Tokyo Funk Diva
Wewantsounds Records maintains its impressive track record of high-quality reissues with its latest release. This time, they feature the music of Hitomi “Penny” Tohyama, a Japanese pop and funk singer whose style beautifully blends City Pop, funk, and catchy pop grooves, resulting in a fun listening experience. As always, the Continue Reading