Hozan Yamamoto Anthology
Ten-i
RCA (Japan) 1975
JRZ-2553-54 (2LP) Promotional copy, White label, Gatefold sleeve
sleeve : EX-(some scuffs on side/corner, some fading, light stains inside gatefold)
media : EX+/EX+,EX+/EX+(some parts with slight crackle noise)
A masterpiece 2LP album released in 1975, featuring 9 original compositions by Hozan Yamamoto, a Tozan-ryu shakuhachi player who continually challenged himself with new musical forms, from classical to jazz, contemporary music, and avant-garde, and was designated a Living National Treasure in 2002. These works represent the culmination of his struggles within the conservative world of traditional Japanese music. Many performers who ventured beyond the confines of classical music to explore new realms of traditional Japanese music, including Katsuya Yokoyama, Shinichi Yuize, and Tadao Sawai, participated in this album, offering a magnificent collection of endlessly organic shakuhachi and koto ensembles that sound incredibly fresh even today. Especially the shakuhachi ensemble on Disc 1 is very easy to listen to and familiar. It's a world seen beyond ambient music.
A1: Shakuhachi Quartet No. 1
B1: Yin and Yang Phrase for Five Shakuhachi Players