Search - Osamu Kitajima :: Beyond the Circle

A Deep Forest-like CD with distinctive Japanese flavor!

Maurice C. Rynders (rynders@cts.com | San Diego, California, USA | 08/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, Osamu's 2nd, in my opinion, is much better than his first one, which, although great "New Age", is a more traditional, much slower type of music and has only 3 tracks. The music on "Beyond The Circle" is much more lively and has nice rythm in almost all songsYou will defenitely like this CD if you like Deep Forest and The Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) and/or Ruichi Sakamoto. For the "Japanofile" this is a must, because of the many sections of Japanese text and chant/song, as well as Japanese-style music played on traditional instruments that are interwoven with the modern beat of Western, Deep Forest-style music.After hearing this CD, featuring little black puppets, dancing above the water on its cover, I KNOW I'll have to get the next one from Osamu."

Just a touch of Nihon with a strong beat

Anaguma | Platteville, WI USA | 02/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As near as I can figure, this is Osamu Kitajima's 14th album, the first being "Benzaiten," the second just "Osamu," and his last, "Breath of Jade" (2001). The early albums and a few later, such as "California Roll" and "Sweet Chaos," had a heavy Japanese component using Eastern scales played on both Japanese and Western instruments. This last US release, although 1996 (did he retire in the US?), is heavy on bass and rhythms, largely in 4/4 time. The title piece, "Beyond The Circle," has a touch of Biwa with a strong bass and piano taking the main melodies. The second piece, "Mind Thieves," uses a Japanese voice, reverbed and not, as percussion, becoming melodic as the piece continues, with some koto mixed in. The heavy bass, percussion/drums, and piano dominate over the oriental mix. The third uses the female vocal, spoken and sung, and a touch of Shakuhachi & koto, with a heavy rhythm section and synthesizers, guitar, and piano. The vocals in "Blue Fire" combined with the synthesizer and biwa, remind me of the atmosphere created in the movie "Blade Runner." All pieces on the album use a dominant or heavy drum beat and bass line, and the various other instruments/vocals step in and out held together by these lines.



Because of the heavy beat throughout, I was initially not impressed as I think I had the interwoven rhythms of something like "Frost Flowers" on the "Osamu" album in my expectations. But after a couple of listenings, the exceptionally sharp mix (the bass pops out without a boost) and the interplay of the various instruments, both western and eastern really grew on me. This has become an album that I don't put onto the back burner to "whitewash the walls of time," but like to sit between the speakers and pay attention to what's going on.



I listen to everything from Frank Zappa to Maynard Ferguson to Union Station and this holds my interest. Good job. 5*

"

Retains the same quality of 'The Source'

Maurice C. Rynders (rynders@cts.com | 09/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As im typing this, Im listening to this cd through my Labtec Flat pannel speakers. Such high sound quality.Having his first cd 'The Source', it is rather hard if this cd can top it off with another peaceful superclear recording. That was what i was hoping for- another excellent japanese instrument peace cd.But what i hear the first time i pop this cd in.......was a totally new thrilled experience. 'Beyond the Circle' combines both good enjoyable electronica with a speck of traditional japanese instruments, chanting of female voice, nature sounds. And the singing of some japanese words make it even more special.Even though i dont know what the above review mean by "deep forest cd', i have to say that this cd is much much more engetic and is intended for day enjoyment-, rather 'The Source' intended night music. Owning two of Osamu's cd......has almost stopped me from downloading mp3s......since the music and sound quality is super high clarity.If u happen to find this review , and read it, please do purchase Osamu Kitajima's sound creation. U will not regret as ure heart and mind is taken into another dimension. Envelope ure ears with great music ONLY."