Search - Various Artists :: Samurai Collection

A truly mixed bag

J. George Gutt | Tucson, AZ USA | 07/26/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The Samurai collection is an odd item. Most compilations take their songs from more than two albums... this one does not, apart from one track by Eri Sugai.



The Album Description claims that the album is "music expressive of the Japanese sense of aesthetics..." and "features a rich assortment of traditional musical instruments from Japan." If using Japanese instruments in western music is expressive of Japanese culture, then they must really like new age over there... because this album is mostly new age music.



Uttara-kuru's pieces in particular feel disctinctly western, and both artists use synthesized instruments from time to time. "Tsugaru" actually uses a synth club/trance beat for much of its length, completely throwing the album's narrow sense of continuity out the window.



There are some gems, as medievalcrusadesbabe mentioned, but they do not justify the purchase price.



The music on this album isn't bad... it just isn't great, and certainly wasn't what I was expecting based on the description above. If you need something light with an asian tang to play at the bookstore where you work, then by all means purchase this album. Otherwise, check out the two (okay, three) artists out individually, and don't bother with this unnecessary experiment in record fusion.



Oh and I forgot to mention that the incense sticks included in this, as with other Pacific Moon cds, are of very low quality. They burn fast and may irritate those with allergies. Try Shoyeido incense if your want quality Japanese sticks without the reaction."

Quite Good!

Floundericious | Everett, WA, USA | 08/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've occasionally taken a fancy for music from around the world (as an alternative to alternative, progressing from progressive, rolling away from rock, etc.)....Asian music is no exception from my interest!



There are several strong pieces on this collection. All of them are good quality and you can easily pick out which one of the three artists in this collage is playing just by listening for a few moments.



The ethereal strains of Yoshida-sama's drum/synth/wind compositions have what I call "long legs" as it seems to take virtually no time to fly through the song. The rolling melody in each is backed up by a strong rolling drum line. It's this percussive precession that make the pieces move so quickly. This music seems to lend itself well to imagery of a lone person atop a horse riding across broad, hilly plains.



Uttara-Kuru's compositions are, as another reviewer put it, much more traditional-feeling. The pieces still get some modern touches here and there, but the focus is generally on the skillful manipulation of a shakuhachi flute.



It's worth a listen if you're even remotely interested. The sample clips don't do it justice, but they give you the general idea!"

A Strong Collection

medievalcrusadesbabe | Ohio USA | 04/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Samurai Collection presents us with some of the best Pacific Moon has to offer. Included here are Uttara -Kuru, Kiyoshi Yoshida and Eri Sugai



This mixed disk focuses on Japanese Flute, Asian Drumming and also includes a vocal track by Eri Sugai. The tracks from Uttara Kuru are from the `East Wind' CD. The Kiyoshi Yoshida tracks are from the CD `Asian Drum' and the Eri Sugai track is from her `Mai' CD.



The pieces are chosen for their emotional draw. The drumming tracks are vibrant and forceful contrasting the flute tracks which, while still powerful, are more subtle yet skillfully done. Neither lacks power and effectively stands up to each other.



The titles chose are interesting as well. They draw upon the imagery of Japan, as in `Wings of the Eagle', or the simple elegance of nature as in `Winter Dance'. We see through the eyes of the artist their impressions of their homeland, from the spirituality presented in `The Lucky Spirit' and the vocal sampling in `Konjaku Monogatari' by Eri Sugai, to the day to day visuals in `Wooden Ship'.



While some pieces show definite western influence, there are some very traditional pieces. `First Image' is a solo Koto performance in the traditional style, invoking very strong Japanese imagery.



As always, Pacific Moon includes a booklet in English and Japanese with some short blurbs on the music, so you are not totally lost, and the incense in the CD case to enhance your listening experience.



A very lovely presentation, and one that will introduce you to the artists, give you a good taste of the Japanese musical experience and lay the foundation for future exploration of Japanese World Music. maf"