Excellent Overview of the Domo Label
medievalcrusadesbabe | Ohio USA | 04/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Domo Records has presented us with some excellent and well known artists and groups over the last 10 years. Outstanding in their collection is Kitaro, best known for their "Silk Road" musical background for the for the long running Japanese production. However, they have many artists they are proud of, and this compilation gives us a sampling of the best and brightest of this recording label.
There are 16 tracks on this CD. The inside booklet does list the previous CD's that include the works presented.
The opening track is Daichi by Kitaro which sets the standard of excellence which Domo has established for this CD. A full orchestral piece, this is oriental in feel, but with strong melody, powerful beat, yet is not pompous or overbearing. It gives a feeling of stamina, as Kitaro has been over the years.
The Yoshida Brothers present us with a very traditional Japanese piece Starting on a Journey, gently orchestrated to fill the piece delightfully. They add piano and violins, which gives this an
"East Meets West" play that is as strong as the Kitaro piece, yet subtle at the same time. And excellent introduction to the young Japanese sensation Yoshida Brothers if you have never heard them before.
Stephen DeRuby presents us with Desire, a piece from his CD Sacred Spaces. A more subtle work, with wind instruments, a very oriental feel, but filled with lovely guitar work. A more spiritual work than the previous tracks, but Mr. DeRuby does present us with an excellent representation of his style of music.
Sleeping Woman is the track by Luis Perez which again is very exotic in flavor, as is most of Domo's productions. This piece is flute with a very Mexician or traditional South American accompaniment. This is over an orchestral backfill, giving it strength yet retaining its delicate musical quality. A very good choice for an introduction to Mr. Perez and his style of music.
Luis Villegas track New Moon begins with a feeling of a summer evening and breaks into some spectacular latin guitar work. This track is dynamic, offering a powerful first look at this Internationally known artist if you have never heard him before. This piece will move you out of your seat to dance across the floor.
Grammy nominee Nawang Khechog, a Tibetan composer and musician, gives us the light and airy Peace Through Kindness, accompanied by Tibetan chanters. A lovely, delightful work to introduce many new listeners to this highly respected World musician.
Simply listed as Sicilienne, this track introduces us to a piano and violin composition from the "Classics for the Heart" CD. This is a classic, to be sure, as the melody will stick in your mind as does the romantic blending of the piano and violin. The composition is very classical, reminiscent of Debussy or David Lanz.
Randy Armstrong provides us with a powerful guitar piece called Fisherman's Cancion. Randy is easily recognized for his work on the PBS production Dinner on the Diner, and this piece is a very good representation of the artists abilities in both the guitar as well as composition.
A more brooding piece, Dark Passage by Dave Eggar is another piano piece that gives us pause for contemplation. You may be more familiar with this artist from his works with Ornette Coleman and Bobby McFerrin amongst others. This is a lovely offering and one that will peak your interest in this piano artist.
Agatsuma is represented by his piece A Paper in the Air, a strong, subtle work showing off the skills of the artist with the Tsugaru-Shamisen. This piece is one of his gentler works, but is a good representation of the style of music Agatsuma is known for.
We return to the Spanish flavor with Mediterranean Sunrise by Benedetti & Svoboda, with romantic guitars serenading the listener. These two gentlemen have been playing together for more than fifteen years, and it shows in the blending of the guitars to create a well defined and passionate style. If this is the first time you are hearing these musicians, you will be enchanted by their Spanish rhythms and provocative melody.
The talented skills of Yu-Xiao Guang on the Chinese huquin is featured on the track Flying Celestial Nymphs. The huquin is most closely related to a violin than any other Western instrument, and can produce the same subtleties and nuances as the well played violin can. This is a soft, romantic piece, traditional Chinese in style, and again, a very good representation of the artist and his skills.
Sympathy by Toshiyuka Honda is a lighter piano piece which is expertly executed amongst violins. This is a very short piece but it gives you a delicious taste of the artists ability and makes you hungry for more.
Alex Wurman's jazzy blues piece Cautionary Tale is a hot little number that fills your imagination with a smokey bar, a jazz quartet and a hot night in the city. This is because Mr. Wurman is probably better known for his film scores than anything else. Play it to the Bone, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Hollywood Homicide are just a few of his most recent works. This offering gives the listener a good feel for Mr. Wurman's style and abilities.
The last two tracks are all Kitaro. The track Planet is very light, classical in feeling, contemplative and serene. Kitaro has many styles and this highlights yet another facet of Kitaro's musical skills.
The final track Theme for Earthdance is a brand new, previously unreleased piece and is considered a "bonus track" for this CD. Fans of Kitaro will want to add this to their collection. This is a very romantic, melodic work, almost dancing in the air on its own. It has a waltz beat to it, and will have you dancing around your living room. This is a lovely ending to this compilation.
Overall, this is a grand presentation of the artists on the Domo label, showing the strengths of their performers and giving new listeners to this label a great show and starting point for the appreciation of the artists. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good collection of extraordinary musical artists and as a first rate introduction to Domo Records if you have never heard their offerings before. maf"
Relaxing
Pirapol Soonthornbhaesaj | Thailand | 02/22/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I never know these artists except Kitaro
when I purchase this album I love every songs"
Wonderful collection of music
Mirek Majewski | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | 07/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is not a usual CD. It contains 16 pieces of music from various CDs published by Domo Records. Each piece is unique and worth contemplating. In particular I like very much "Starting on a Journey" by Yoshida Brothers and "A Paper in the Air" by Agatsuma. Listen them in a quiet evening after sunset and you will know why I like them so much.
M. Majewski,
(...)"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
