This release features a duet between Christian Fennesz (guitar/lapop) and Ryuichi Sakamoto (piano/laptop) - the first collaboration between two highly regarded composers. ‘Sala Santa Cecilia’ is a 19 minute overture from their live performance in Rome in November 2004. Bill Meyer in Magnet (US) wrote: “Cross-generational encounters are never a sure thing, but this one strikes sparks” and Max Scaefer in Cyclic Defrost (USA): ” a moment of much beauty, not to mention anticipation for the promised full-length effort to come.” Tom Sekowski adds in Gaz-eta (USA): “We can only hope this astonishing collaboration will turn into something more tangible, more permanent.”
There's an old saying that one is only as good as the people with whom one collaborates. Judging by the list of musical contributors to Hector Zazou's Sahara Blue, Zazou is quite good indeed. Among many others, those adding their own touch to Zazou's album include Bill Laswell, Dead Can Dance, John Cale, David Sylvian, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Tim Simenon. Zazou devised the album as a mix of musical styles set to lyrics/vocals taken from the pen of Arthur Rimbaud. While it might appear like a pretentious undertaking on paper, the album is a cohesive slice of eclectic music-making. Jazzy spoken word songs such as "Ophelie" intermingle with throbbing dance-oriented numbers like "I'll Strangle You" and quiet, peaceful piano-based meditations such as "Harar et les Gallas." Dead Can Dance duo Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard work their particular magic on "Youth," exchanging vocals, and on "Black Stream," where Perry's dark, somber synth weeps around Gerrard's stunning vocals and yang chin. Zazou himself mostly stays in the background, providing production and electronic sounds, allowing the players to showcase their abilities.
Kylyn is a 1979 fusion album by Kazumi Watanabe (actually released as an eponymous album by "Kylyn"). It was released in June 1979, whilst the recording sessions took place between April and May. Kylyn was also the name of Watanabe's group at the time, and at times it featured fellow Ryuichi Sakamoto on synths and keyboards. Sakamoto and Watanabe did work together for the album Tokyo Joe released the previous year.
Kylyn is a 1979 fusion album by Kazumi Watanabe (actually released as an eponymous album by "Kylyn"). It was released in June 1979, whilst the recording sessions took place between April and May. Kylyn was also the name of Watanabe's group at the time, and at times it featured fellow Ryuichi Sakamoto on synths and keyboards. Sakamoto and Watanabe did work together for the album Tokyo Joe released the previous year.
DAVID SYLVIAN Weatherbox (Rare 1989 UK deluxe 5-CD box set spanning David's career and his many collaborations. Includes the releases: Brilliant Trees, Alchemy, Gone To Earth, Gone To Earth - Instrumental [Exclusive to this box set] and Secrets Of The Beehive. Also includes a 60 page booklet which documents each release and all the musicians involved plus fold-out poster. The artwork and design is by Russell Mills and Dave Coppenhall with sliding lid on the top of the box. The accompanyment by the likes of Bill Nelson, Sakamoto, Jansen/Barbierri/Karn, Russell Mills, Robert Fripp, Michael Brooks et al bears testimony to just how many TALENTED ARTISTS are influenced and eager to work w/ Mr. Sylvian.