Search - Kazumi Watanabe :: Pandora

Fine & colorful fusion guitar album

Arhippa Kaurapuuro | Helsinki, Finland | 01/11/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Kazumi switches to all-japanese line up with this 1992 album.Since smashing snare-drum and distorted guitar dominate sound palette, the sound of the album feels first a little bit heavy, but it does not take very much time to realize that the album is actually filled with the most different sounds and styles of music.Album does not have any killer compositions, but not any boring tracks either. Thus Kazumi seems to be a trustworthy composer. Some tracks are rock-jazz, some others have melodies that are more typical for contemporary jazz, and then many tracks are influenced heavily by some world music style (from latin to eastern tones).Not essential fusion or must-buy, but recommended for
those who like colorful guitar albums with fine compositions."

More unparalleled genius

William H. Burman | 02/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pandora is full of very original, totally inventive jazz fusion unlike just about anything else. Kazumi's playing here reminds me a bit of John Scofield's best fusion work, always inflected with that Japanese aesthetic. He has Scofield's incredible technical mastery too, and can pretty much do anything he wants on the guitar. The drums and percussion are fabulous, and really give these tunes a playful, wide open feel. If you're a Kazumi fan, get this any way you can."