I love this so much, I have to have 2 copies.
Geoff Hall | Borehamwood, UK | 04/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Why, you may ask? It's simple, one gets played at home, the other travels with me, in the diskman or in the car - just like Eri's previous album MAI. If I go anywhere, ERI's music goes too.
I bought KAORI last year when it first came out in Japan. It cost me much more than the second copy I bought, but it was worth it. Now, at last, KAORI (it means Frangrance) is available to the masses and is a very special album.
People think that Eri Sugai is the Japanese Enya and there are some similarities between the two ladies. However, don't be misled by that comparison. There are reminders of Enya (and Adiemus, too), but whilst Enya's music has that wonderful western feel to it, ERI's has an oriental taste to it which you've probably never heard before.
On this album, she is vibrant, particularly in the first 3 tracks, before slowing to a more sombre, thoughhtful mood. I particularly like the 4th track, "Teinsagu Nu Hana", which is an Okinawan Folk Song! It's a song my Japanese wife knows well and when she says she loves ERIs version, I take note! It is just a sensational track and a celebration in how to layer the voice over and over again (it's like you're hearing a choir). However, all eleven tracks are beautiful and they add up to a perfect album, where the voice is the most effective instrument and shines through with beauty and grace. The sheer brilliance of this album is in the diversity of the music - anthemic, hymn-like, soothing, invigorating and joyous, whilst being full of inventiveness and sophistication - and a stunning follow-up to MAI.
To agree with what another reviewer has suggested, there's nothing like this elsewhere in the world.
Everyone should have a copy of this album. Remember the name - ERI SUGAI. She should be a superstar! It's not too late to make her one. In my book, she already is.
"
Something new for your ears to enjoy
Gregory K. Frost | Seattle, WA USA | 06/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From top to bottom this is a wonderful album. I can say that my favorite tracks are "Silence," "Ancient City," and "Fragrance," but that's misleading. Like any great album, the tracks work together to produce a cohesive, engaging whole that flows so smoothly you're surprised when it's over. Kaori starts with the lively "Voyage to Asia" and progresses through creative interpretations of many traditional Japanese songs, reaching its emotional center of gravity in "Fragrance." The singing and playing are exemplary throughout the work. Really, I can't say enough good things about this album. Give it a listen. I think you will like it."
An Incredible Musical Experience
Keith D. Baer | Charleston, SC USA | 04/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having thoroughly enjoyed Eri Sugai's earlier contributions, Mai and Air (under the name of Stella Mirus), I eagerly looked forward to Kaori. I was not disappointed - I was totally awed!! It is probably the most beautiful single CD that I have ever listened to. Some reviewers have referred to her as the "Japanese Enya" and the Editorial here compared her to Adiemus. These are fair observations, but they miss the point. Eri has brought vocal layering and the use of an invented language to new heights. And all with with an etheral Oriental ambience. I have heard no music on this side of the globe that even comes close to comparison. I look forward to far more from this exquisetly talented lady."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1