Norio Sato
12 Songs for Guitar
ALM Records (Japan) 1986
AL-7008 (LP) w/obi, insert.
sleeve : EX+(some very slightly dirts.)
media : VG+/EX(some slightly noises. the last part on A4 has some scratch noises caused by slightly incrustation.)
After winning the Tokyo International Guitar Competition in 1971, Norio Sato continued his career as a guitarist and conductor. Since 1997, he has been the music director of Ensemble Nomad, performing at major contemporary music festivals around the world. This album, released in 1986, features his performances. It includes superb arrangements by Tōru Takemitsu, a composer who needs no introduction as one of Japan's most renowned. The album showcases Takemitsu's exquisite arrangements and Sato's gut guitar performances, covering American standards, film music, popular songs from the Taisho era, and even numbers by The Beatles. Although it contains exactly the same content as the album of the same name released by guitarist Kiyoshi Shomura on Toshiba Records in 1977, the approach differs in terms of guitar tone and touch. It's fascinating to see the distinct colors each performer brings to the pieces. Highly recommended.
A3: Summertime
B2: Here There and Everywhere