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PrismYoshida BrothersMr Nagano's Foolish Proposal
The new album of Yoshida Brothers is an excellent collaboration with a number of world-class musicians such as Greenwood Colin, Jesca Hoop, David Baerwald and Akira Inoue. Several composition in this album are also composed by the brothers themselves. The beauty of this album is in its wide representation of music genres: from traditional minimal sound of "Hu Jin" and "Aiya" to more enhanced and rich in sound "The National Anthem" and "Summer Day". There is some rock, pop and a bit of Japanese traditions. Something for everyone. Each time I buy Yoshida Brothers' CD, I know there going to be at least one masterpiece. This time it is a track no. 5 - "Mr Nagano's Foolish Proposal", which I would like to highlight separately in this review. From the title and the music itself I have had a constant feeling that this must be a sort of a film music. But alas, I could hardly find any background or history of this track in internet and the CD booklet doesn't provide individual linear notes for the tracks on this album. Nevertheless, it is known that the composer of this beautiful composition is David Baerwald. The music is haunting and yet charming with clear passages and imaginary storyline. On the first day when I received this album I couldn't resist to repeat this track for on and on and I am pretty sure I will be listening to "Mr Nagano's Foolish Proposal" many years after. I bet it is a classic. Now the booklet that comes with the CD is a separate story. It doesn't give much information about each single track. There is only a list of contributing musicians and instruments used, but hardly there is any information on what each track is about. However, for all fans of Kenichi and Ryoichiro brothers, there is a photo-retrospective of their stage and tour life for the period 1999 - 2008. This is a good album. Highly recommended.
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Shihen Kokyokyoku Genji MonogatariAkira SenjuSymphony of Psalms "The Tale of GENJI"
I need to stress here for other customers that this is an opera album, not instrumental. There are only 2 instrumental (symphonic) compositions the first and the last one, the rest in the middle are sweet tenor and soprano songs based on the lyrics of Takashi Matsumoto, accompanied by full orchestra. The little booklet that comes with the CD contains presumably the lyrics of all 8 psalms (all in Japanese language of course). The singing is excellent. If you like to listen to such artists as ESCOLTA or Izumi Masuda (soprano), you might also like this new album of Akira Senju. Enjoy!
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Minten - TomorrowJia Peng-FangAnother masterpiece from Jia Peng Fang
I witness that Jia Peng Fang's works are slowly evolving. I remember his first albums from 90th released under Pacific Moon Records (ex. "River", "Rainbow"). They were more ethnic in tune with a variety of other traditional instruments. These ethnic tunes were masterly fused with modern tempo, yet the overall sound remained unmistakably Asian. Today I can hardly hear the Asian soul in his music. His recent albums "Moonlight", "Roman", "Holiday" and this new "Tomorrow" are becoming more and more westernized with a heavy load of classical Western sounds. Even his parts of solo Erhu there don't save them and the music remain distant far away from Asia. Personally, I like this transition, as I appreciate musicians that try to create cross-over music with an effort to popularize traditional music instruments. Even this latest alum "Tomorrow" as any previously released alums is a high quality production with beautiful orchestration and professional arrangements. The second major contributor for "Tomorrow" album is the famous japanese composer Toshiyuki Watanabe (Shenmue OST, Voice of Heaven OST).
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Enka [Regular Edition / Jacket C]Akina NakamoriBeautiful voice beautiful music
When I saw a video clip "Mugonzaka" from Enka by Akina Nakamori in YouTube I started reading reviews and found out that the arranger of this album is the famous Japanese composer Akira Senju. This is a must-buy for all fans of both Akina Nakamori and Akira Senju, as well as those who like to hear traditional music instruments such as koto or niko with strings orchestra and sweet soulful singing. Highly recommended. This is one of the best albums in the year 2007.
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Fumiaki MiyamotoFumiaki MiyamotoI think it is the best of
My favorite track is number 10 - Usuba Kagero. If someone knows who is the guest musician that plays koto (I think, that's koto), with Fumiaki, please let me know the name. I just love this track, and I am currently using it as a ring tone on my phone. I wish I could have more information about this koto-player.
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Gloria Chapel Concert - Once - Itsuka Tooi HiHajime MizoguchiA good selection
The selection of 17 works is made from previously released albums of Hajime (except for Here I am and New Cinema Paradiso), such as "archcello", "Best Wishes", "Aqua Colors in Paris", "EspaceII", "Angel", "Espace" and "Precious". The DVD includes also shooting a footage as well rehearsal in the studio. Most of the melodies are performed in trio together with Hatsuho Furukawa (piano) and Shigeki Ippon (bass), a few tracks are solo cello performances and there is also a solo piano performance by Hajime himself of his famous work called "Somewhere In Time".
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Tokyo Godfathers (English Subtitles)AnimationRealism in animation
I think Japanese animations are famous for showing true to real life scenes, like as if you are watching a movie. I love this anime and I think it is one of the best I ever seen so far. The story touches upon social problems such as homeless people, violence in the family, poverty and others. If you would like to experience a serious anime packed with adventure, then watch this one. I highly recommend it!
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Jasmine FlowerWu FangGreat new album, as usually!
I think Wu Fang is one of the those few musicians, whose albums get sold out in a very short time. If you look at her discography at CDJapan, then you would notice that. I think, it is very much related to the quality of the music she is producing. I love this album, because all tracks are well arranged. Some of them are covers from the famous movie themes. For example, there is a song of Mei from the House of Flying Daggers and there is also a theme from the movie Myth which is called Endless Love. I recommend this album to anyone who would like to hear a new sound of the Gu-Zheng instrument.
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New Asia IIIV.A.One of the best New Asia albums so far
This is really a nice compilation. Most of the tracks are my favorites now. Many thanks to Eiji Mori, Kanou Kawashima, Takayuki Hattori, Togi+Bao, Wu Fang and Yilana for excellent music. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who is interested in a modern easy listening Asian music where East meets West, where traditional music instruments sound together with modern one.
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The Best CollectionJoe HisaishiThe best of all other compilations
In the past Joe Hisaishi has produced quite many compilations of his works, so called the "The Best of" albums. However, in my opinion, this collection is really the best one. It combines very classically sounding tunes as well as jazzy and lounge one (ex. Silent Love). I especially appreciate that album includes themes from studio Ghibli animations and compositions with Erhu accompaniments (ex. Kaze no bon). I highly recommend this CD to anyone who would like to listen to a quality music worth awards.
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Manifique ChinoisJiang Jian HuaErhu sounds like a Violin!
There are many musicians that play modern Erhu. But hardly can someone reach such level of performance when Erhu sounds like a Violin, which is the way Jiang Jian Hua plays. Maybe that is why she is so successful in performing Western classical compositions. Nevertheless, a few tracks here are non-classical, but modern. Listen for example her interpretation of Energy Flow by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Impressive.
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Far East -Sekai no Syaso kara-Hajime MizoguchiThis one is essential
This is one of the essential albums for anyone who loves music of Hajime Mizoguchi. Nice cello orchestrations. Each melody is very touching, once heard, you won't be able to forget it. Recently I sent it to a friend of mine it Italy, as a gift.
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Beautiful Life Original SoundtrackOriginal SoundtrackThe soundtrack you would never forget
If you would like to experience quality cello music and orchestrations (ex. A Peaceful Tear) as well as beautiful guitar themes with orchestra (ex. Field of Love) then this is the right CD to start with. Beautiful Life is one of my favorite soundtracks where almost each single track is a serious work of several minutes, and not just a few-second insertion. A very well done album! Thank you Hajime!
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Hogaku Ensoka Best Take Akiko Nishigata - Shamisen to Orchestra no DeaiAkiko NishigataTsugaru Shamisen and Orchestra!
Wow, never heard classically arranged compositions for Shamisen! There were of course attempts made by Yoshida brothers (ex. Starting On A Journey), but those were rare tries. This album features a breathtaking concerto for Shamisen and Orchestra with various participating composers. If you like classical music but would like to hear something new, try this!
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Bireiteki DaisogenYilanaBeautiful Mongolian music
Lovely tunes of the traditional Mongolian fiddle re-arranged in a modern style. I good choice for everyone that likes a modernized traditional music.
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Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) (English Subtitles) [Limited Pressing]Japanese MovieTouching and emotional
This is extreamly touching movie. All my friends that saw it cried. I highly recommend it, as it is a rare jam in the world of animation.
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Bridge - Best Of Wu Ru-Jun -Wu Ru-JunI am not sure
This album is not easy to dijest. Some melodies remain in my mind long after I listened to them, some are easily forgotten. A positive thing about this album is that it is not copy-protected as all other CDs of Wu Ru-Jun.
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MUSICAT [CD+DVD]MUSICATExtremely light and empty music
I didn't like this music. There is no soul in it, I listened it once, and I don't want to listen to it again. I recommend them to change composer and invite Missa Johnouchi instead.
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Ganbatte Ikimasshoi - Original SoundtrackTV Original SoundtrackExcellent soundtrack of Ryo Yoshimata
One of the best soundtracks for the past few years. Ryo Yoshimata uses string orchestra, guitar and pop tunes. His music is a pure joy.