Kiyoshi Shomura "12 Songs for Guitar"

Kiyoshi Shomura
12 Songs for Guitar
Toshiba Records (Japan) 1977
TA-72039 (LP) w/obi, insert.
sleeve : VG+(slightly collapse on one corner, dirts.)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly noises.)

Kiyoshi Shomura is a guitarist who studied under the Spanish guitarist Narciso Yepes in Madrid and gave numerous performances in Italy and other places before returning to Japan and making his debut in 1969. This is his album released in 1977. The renowned Japanese contemporary composer Toru Takemitsu, without a doubt, handled the arrangements for the entire album. He beautifully presents a wide range of music, from American standards to film scores, beloved songs from the Taisho era, and even Beatles' numbers, all with fantastic arrangements and guitar playing. The completely soothing sound is very pleasant and floats through the listening space. It's not complicated at all, just pure enjoyable music. This kind of approach by Toru Takemitsu is quite valuable. The insert includes an essay by the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa. The artwork is also excellent.

A3: Summertimes

A4: A Song of Early Spring