今井和雄 Kazuo Imai ‎– Far And Wee

今井和雄 Kazuo Imai ‎– Far And WeeKazuo Imai is one of the few artists to traverse both Japan's early avant garde and free jazz movements. Though he began performing in the 1970's, his 2004 P. S. F. album "far and wee" was only the second under his name. In a series of thrilling acoustic guitar improvisations Imai's playing crackles with dynamic tension and physicality as well as a subtlety and nuance that reveals him as one of the instrument's true masters and innovators. Newly mixed

well wonder no longer

is still present

Live From Planet X

The finale is “Albatross”

” and was the opening act for Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Japan tour

Kawai’s compositions see ancient harmonies and percussions uncannily mesh with synthesized sounds of the modern world to convey a sumptuous balance between folklore tradition and futuristic outlook

Ryoko was born in Yokohama

and other keys here – in a setting that's a nice blend of soulful fusion and some of the Japanese crossover modes of the time

Their last sign of life was Pygmalion (before they reunited in 2014)  and it was

Jo Jones Jr on drums

In recent years

a soft pop tune with longing string and horn sections