山本邦山 Quatre Oiseaux
にほんの四季
Yupiteru Records (Japan) 1980
YJ25-7032 (LP) gatefold sleeve. w/insert.
sleeve : EX(light wear on edge and corner.)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly surface noises, still good condition.)
This is a masterpiece album released in 1980 by shakuhachi player Hozan Yamamoto, who has made great achievements not only in the classical arts but also in contemporary activities. Hozan plays cymbals, electric piano, and vibraphone in addition to the shakuhachi in this irregular quartet of different musical performers, including reed player Ryo Noda, guitarist Sadanori Nakamure and bassist Yasuo Arakawa. According to the liner notes, the producer Toshio Honda tried to make a jazz album following legendary "Silver World" and other albums, but this album has a completely different aspect. The four pieces played on the theme of the four seasons in Japan were completely improvised, creating an extremely organic world of sound that can only be described as nature music. In particular, the participation of Ryo Noda, who plays a variety of wind instruments, including Bolivian, Brazilian, and Indian flutes, further embodied this worldview. The crystal-clear sound quality is also superb. Highly recommended.
A1: 春 Le PrintempsA2: 夏 L’Ete
B1: 秋 L’Autome