All the Best From Japan

1. Cherry Blossoms

2. Pass Oh Pass

3. Six Variations

4. Sailing Time

5. Four Seasons in Kyoto

6. Moon over the Desolate Castle

7. Soran-Bushi

8. O-Edo Bridge

9. Song of the Sandpiper

10. Kuroda-Bushi

11. Bridal Doll

12. Lullaby from Itsuki Village

13. Kushimoto Bushi

14. Coal Miner's Song

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
If you know what a koto is, you're in luck with this Madacy-label release. Despite the cover blurb promising "Popular Kyoto Melodies," this appealing collection delivers traditional tunes performed on the Japanese plucked zither rather than songs from the city of Kyoto. Stately and slow, the performances are strong on melody, and the recording does a good job of capturing the complexity of the timbres and harmonics of the vibrating strings. Beginning with "The Cherry Blossoms," whose tune is instantly recognizable, you may find you know far more traditional Japanese songs than you ever suspected. This charming repertoire is populated with motifs popularized by American films, commercials, and even pop music borrowings. The arrangements are uncluttered to the point of starkness, though a bit of sweetening is provided by a shakuhachi flute in the background of "Four Seasons in Kyoto" (there's the city that we love) as well as several other songs. --Bob Tarte

Tracks:

The Cherry Blossoms
Pass Oh Pass
Six Variations
Sailing Time
Four Seasons In Kyoto
Moon Over the Desolate Castle
Soran-Bushi
O-Edo Bridge
Song of the Sandpiper
Kuroda-Bushi
A Bridal Doll
Lullaby From Itsuki Village
Kushimoto-Bushi
Coal Miners' Song

Amazon.com

If you know what a koto is, you're in luck with this Madacy-label release. Despite the cover blurb promising "Popular Kyoto Melodies," this appealing collection delivers traditional tunes performed on the Japanese plucked zither rather than songs from the city of Kyoto. Stately and slow, the performances are strong on melody, and the recording does a good job of capturing the complexity of the timbres and harmonics of the vibrating strings. Beginning with "The Cherry Blossoms," whose tune is instantly recognizable, you may find you know far more traditional Japanese songs than you ever suspected. This charming repertoire is populated with motifs popularized by American films, commercials, and even pop music borrowings. The arrangements are uncluttered to the point of starkness, though a bit of sweetening is provided by a shakuhachi flute in the background of "Four Seasons in Kyoto" (there's the city that we love) as well as several other songs. --Bob Tarte

Customer Reviews:

Nice music to listen to to relax.......2002-01-23

I liked this CD, didn't absolutely love it, but for the price, it really is a good deal. I listen to it in between some of my other japanese cds. The songs are short but lovely.

Excellent CD.......2000-12-05

I love this CD. It's a must if you just want some nice music for background or something to relax too. Very soothing... A must have.

Great CD!!!!!.......1999-10-05

This was such a great cd for the price. I would pay so much more for such a great cd.since I have bought this great collection of fine Japanese music, I have not been able to take it out of my cd player, I love it too much.

Pop Music:

Pop Music