Strange, jazzy, dark, intense
Allan MacInnis | Vancouver | 10/20/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Haino Keiji is a Japanese avant gardist and multiinstrumentalist as likely to be seen playing a hurdygurdy or screaming while shaking a tambourine as he is to be heard on guitar, but it's his work as a guitarist that brought him note, which he seems to be getting a growing amount of. This recording, set up by the ubiquitous J. Zorn, features Greg Cohen (bass) and Joey Baron (drums), both of Zorn's Masada, accompanying Haino on a ride that is so eccentric, at all times, it's not always easy to distinguish between what's composed or improvised. Haino generally seems to lead quite firmly, and, sticking to the guitar, note, bends guitar-jazz conventions in some very unique ways. Cohen is gentlemanly, precise, and warm as always; Baron gives some marvelous little flourishes that propell the music along. It's "difficult listening," to be sure, and for the serious, primarily -- but it might make a really GOOD introduction to Haino-san's world, and it makes for moody and unique background music, particularly if you're a strange fella like myself."
A quiet place to meet Keiji Haino!(?)
Barry P. Saranchuk | Moosic, PA United States | 08/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Now this is one of the nicest Cds Keiji Haino has ever been involved in playing on! If you know his "normal" modus operandi(ie;Opening the gates of a demon filled underworld of guitar noise and shrieks!), then you know this IS RARE!
Here he keeps himself to a very Derek Bailey-ish sort of guitar style...making his detractors eat their cries of "Haino knows no subtlety!" Because this is a very tastefully played set of jazz-like jams.
Like I said,"A quiet place to meet Keiji Haino for the first time!"
A beautiful place to start,especially if you like the sound of the streaming "samples" above."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1