Keiichi Shibata
Lights and Shadows
Shi Zen (Japan) 1985
1342-58 (LP) with obi, insert
sleeve : VG+ (many stains)
media : EX/EX (some sections with slight crackle noise)
The first album by Japanese new age pianist Keiichi Shibata, released in 1985. It was released by the Shi Zen label, which has released many new age works full of Japanese sensibility by artists such as Motohiko Hamase and Masayuki Sakamoto. This work was produced after Shibata returned to Japan in 1984, following a period in the United States from 1982 where he participated in sessions with various musicians. All tracks are original scores by Keiichi Shibata. The liner notes mention that while it is a very delicate piano solo, it has elements in common with minimalist music such as Steve Reich and jazz improvisation. This is indeed a beautifully powerful music that stands apart from mere lukewarm new age, deeply moving the listener.
A1: Dancing Leaves
A3: Spirit of Tree