[acid-jazz] Reviews :: Orange Pekoe, Kakuto Soundtrack

From: Wesley (wesleyc_at_cox.net)
Date: 2003-09-08 20:21:47

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      Reviews :: Orange Pekoe, Kakuto Soundtrack

    review of the new album from the nu jazz/brazilian duo of Orange Pekoe
    and the multifarious Kakuto Soundtrack album.
    -Wesley
    The Eclectic Sounds of Japan
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoundLounge

    --
    source: Metropolis
    ORANGE PEKOE
    Modern Lights
    (BMG Japan)
    The nu jazz movement, where international grooves embrace sonic sorcery, 
    is insistent in making jazz and things jazzy ever more relevant and 
    adventurous. Koop, Bird and Cinematic Orchestra established the paradigm 
    that stood until early this year. It's now been revised; the new 
    standard is Orange Pekoe, the best song-based nu jazz act of 2003. Pekoe 
    songwriter/arranger/guitarist Kazuma Fujimoto is a craftsman of the 
    highest order, while Tomoko Nagashima, the other half of the duo, 
    delivers her bandmate's sweet melodies in a youthfully dulcet voice. 
    Modern Lights interprets numerous styles-big band, Brazilian, electro, 
    bop-with considerably more intimacy and warmth than Orange Pekoe's 
    European counterparts, as Fujimoto utilizes mostly live musicians. When 
    they opt for the electronics, however, the band sounds even more 
    impressive, especially on "Hasu," where bubbly broken beats, futuristic 
    soundscapes and a lilting shinobue (Japanese flute) render this one of 
    year's most massive stormers. Wesley Chu
    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Kakuto Soundtrack
    (KSR)
    To match the young and hip cast of his sleek, post-Bubble crime story, 
    fast-emerging director Yusuke Iseya assembled an equally youthful crew 
    for the soundtrack. Most of this album's 15 tracks are the work of 
    TUUKé, a trio consisting of programmer Kenatarou Masaki, guitarist Tsuru 
    Onishi and percussionist Yusuke Tomizawa. Along with guest vocalists, 
    they churn out a spectrum of post-rock sounds, ranging from the dreamy 
    ambience of "Life on Mars" to the electro-dub of "Moderation" to the 
    mellow, folk-influenced guitars of "Delight." Veteran Japanese techno 
    production unit Dublab chip in the frenetic drum 'n' bass track "Dodge," 
    while Japan-based DJ/producer Domino ends the album with the trance-y 
    "Shukriya." The soundtrack to Kakuto is an example of the kind of 
    interesting collaborations that can result when Japan's inventive young 
    directors team up with its equally productive legions of youthful 
    musicians, DJs and producers.
    http://metropolis.japantoday.com/tokyo/recent/music_cd.asp
    -- 
    The Eclectic Sounds of Japan
    [Sound :: Lounge] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoundLounge