Was £21.99.Laid back, cool recordings of Balinese gamelan and singers set to Makoto Kubota's trademark soundscape and production of gentle beats, ambient and natural sounds. A mix of Balinese and Javanese music. Deeply relaxing. 1. Legian Road Morning 2. Ujuang - Banondari 3. First Snow in Bali 4. Ubud Walk 5. Bandung 6. Prayer 7. Funky Gendel 8. Dukun 9. Neleng 10. Bali Dream
Was £23.99.Third album and first for five years from the hip hop / rap artist from Sapporo, Hokkaido. More of their edgy, experimental, dubby hip-hop. Includes guest vocalist Yoshie Nakano from Ego-Wrappin. Price: £18.99
Was £21.99. Reissued album by superb contrabass player. Saito plays songs including 'Contrabajeando' written by Astor Piazzolla and Troilo plus diverse material including Bach, Brazilian, Mongolian Okinawa and Korean tunes.
Was £23.99. Latest album from the superb Japanese klezmer band featuring the wonderful Kazutoki Umezu on clarinet. Original, compelling music with some Japanese elements. Price: £17.99
Was £27.99.Recorded live at Manda-La 2 in Kichijoji over 5 nights for the group's 10th anniversary. The unique quartet playing recorders and other instruments, Masaki Kurihara (recorder, pianica, andes25, Mellophone) Yoshiyuki Kawaguchi (recorder, soprano saxophone, harmonica, bodhran, caxixi, samba) Kenji Kondo (recorder, acoustic guitar, ukulele) Takero Sekijima (recorder, tuba, trumpet). CD 1. Umi o Wataru Kaze (Takero Sekijima) 2. Baby You're My Destiny (Taj Mahal) 3. Avarandado (Caetano Veloso) 4. Kemuri (Takero Sekijima) 5. Hei Lassie (Trad. Bulgarian) 6.Mo Hitori no Hakase 7. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Charles E King) 8. El Derecho de Vivir en Paz (Victor Jara) 9. Kutsuya no Maruchin (Takero Sekijima) 10. La Partida (Charley Patton) CD2. 1. Kataguruma no Ground ni Yoru Henso (Masami Kurihara) 2. An English Country Garden (Trad.) 3. Wynken Blynken and Nod (Donovan) 4. A Sunny Day (Donovan) 5. Nellie the Elephant (Peter Hart) 6. Nakunai yo Snowman (Kenji Kondo) 7. This is Halloween (Daniel Elfman) 8. Kiyeta Kanidoraku (Masami Kurihara) 9. Maya to Ita Kisetsu (Masami Kurihara) 10. Long Odds (English trad) 11. Double Lead Through (English Trad.) 12. Wonderful Day Theme (Masami Kurihara) plus CD extra 1. Mayonaise Dai Ni Ban. 2. Member Shokai 3. Orion Beer.
Was £35.99. Brilliant 2 CD (ying and yang) set that is a tribute to Bruce Lee. Comes with elaborate packaging, with each track having it's own artwork card with credits, all bound together by a black belt and then put inside a black box. The music is pretty good too. Artists include Neanderthals, Dimitri from Paris, Hang on the Box, Macao Dog Race featuring Sandii, Hirofumi Asamoto featuring Sayako, Kan Takagi, Double Famous and Organic Grooves. Price: £25.99
Was £23.99 Coming primarily from China, the practice of singing and composing chants based on sacred texts and hymns became known as Shomyo in Japan. Elaborate ceremonies could include court music, or gagaku, although unrelated the chanting and the instrumental music performed simultaneously creates a powerful multisonic texture. On this new recording, the Tendaisyomyo Buddhist sect are joined by guitarist Tatsuya Koumazaki and the group Pangaea, playing various percussion, the Japanese zither, the Koto and flutes among other instruments to add another dimension.
Was £23.99 One of two remarkable recordings of Shomyo (Buddhist chants) this one of the Shingonshu sect, accompanied by taiko drums, shinobue (flute) nohkan (flute) koto (harp), sho (mouth organ), percussion and most notably guitar. It is an unlikely combination but totally effective as voices, normally sung accappella, are enhanced by a sympathetic accompaniment that enriches their effect. Price: £17.99
Was £23.99.The Beijing born singer has become a massive star throughout Chinese speaking Asia, especially Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as Japan and has a following in the west too. She sings rock and pop, influenced by the Cranberries and the Cocteau Twins, has sold millions of records, and still holds onto her credibility and popularity in the fickle pop world, perhaps because she hides from media attention. She is also an actress, with an acclaimed role in Wong Kar-Wai's Chungking Express, and sung the theme tune to Zhang Yimou's film, Hero. This is possibly her best album, released in 1994. Includes a cover of the Cranberries which became a big hit.
Was £29.99. Excellent value 5 CD box set that includes all the major styles of Japanese traditional music and many of the great master musicians. CD1- Noh, CD2- Sokyoku (koto) CD3- Shakuhachi, Biwa, CD4- Nagauta, Joruri, CD5- Hauta, Kouta, Zokkyoku, Hayashi. Artists include Motomasu Kanze, Hideo Hosho, Mari Uehara and Tokiko Negishi. Price: £24.99
Was £38.99.Since the 1980s the acclaimed JVC World Sounds series has produced some of the world's finest recordings of traditional music from around the world. This reasonably priced six CD set includes one track from each of the 100 titles currently available. Good as a personal library of traditional music played by master musicians from around the world or each CD is a good listen in its own right.
Was £15.99. Vina player, Chitti Babu shows amazing virtusoic technique which is far beyond the conventional playing method. Featuring 'ragam-tanam-pallavi', a huge piece of southern Indian music tradition requiring the highest improvisational technique. Price: £9.99
Was £15.99. Qawwali, and Islam "gospel" sang by Jaffar Hussain Khan. Its orogin goes back to the poet-musician Amir Khusrau in the 13th century. Having a background of classic vocal techniques, Khan draws the listener into religious intoxication.
Was £15.99. Featuring requinto guitar performance of Beto Villa, this album contains well known latin standards, like 'Quien Se La' as well as more recent material such as 'Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella'. Price: £9.99
Was £23.99. New album of traditional celebration songs, done exceptionally well. Another traditional album.
Was £23.99. Former leader of Nenes, first solo album of traditional material. Beautiful vocals and exquisetly performed. Price: £16.99
Was £23.99. Diamantes singer Alberto's solo album, includes salsa versions of 'Light My Fire' and 'Just the Way you Are', with the real salsa tracks more successful.
Was £18.99. Mainly Western influenced typical Asian pop. Price: £12.99
Third album from the excellent Anis Suraya, in similar mode to Siti Nurhaliza and Noraniza Idris, created with the help of some of Malaysia's top producers and songwriters such as Adnan Abu Hassan. Won the Voice of Asia competition in Kazakhstan! More pop than roots.
Was £18.99.Was £18.99. Not only is Siti Nurhaliza one of Malaysia's most popular female singers, she is also brilliant, a rare combination in most of Asia. Her music reflects the diversity of Malaysia itself. Arabic, Indian and western music is combined to produce, well, Malaysian roots music. Malaysia can boast possibly the best contemporary music scene in Asia. This album is more pop than roots, but is well crafted. Price: £12.99
Was £14.99. Recorded live with the Diiringi Orkestra Simfoni Kebangsaan, with lush accompaniment and arrangements, lacks the energy and rawness of her rootsy studio albums, but still great vocals.
Was £14.99. Complete with a symphony orchestra, Siti's live album lacks the rootsier feel of her studio albums. It's very definitely a show, with Siti even singing in English at times. Nevertheless, Malaysia's greatest female vocalist is in good form in front of an adoring audience. Price: £9.99
Was £22.99. Top singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer. Won Traditional Album of the Year 2003.
1. E Apo Mai 2. Mahinahina 3. Kamakani Ka‘ili Aloha 4. A Place Called Hawaii 5. Kaimana Hila 6. Pua Li‘lia
7. Keiki O Ka Aina 8. I’ll Remember You 9. A Maile Lei (For Your Hair) 10. Latitu 11. Akaka Falls 12. Aloha Pumehana 13. Kawohikukapulani
Was £23.99.On her third solo album Elodia Kane is joined by an elite group of musicians and friends, spanning the generations. This album evokes the feeling of bygone days in Hawaii, with many of the songs composed by illustrious members of her husband, Ray Kane's family.
Elodia's beautiful voice is accompanied by some of Hawaii's finest musicians. These include slack key guitarist Ledward Kaapana, considered to be one of the greatest present day players as well as on ukulele and backing vocals. Ledward and Ray Kane have previously toured together in the USA, and were also together when they were honored by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. Rene Paolo, is one of Hawaii's top pianists, especially known during the
1960s. His unique lounge style piano, is the perfect accompaniment, adding touches and adornments of the wind, sea and sun. Bobby Ingano is one of a lost breed of Hawaiian steel guitar players, his sensitive playing evoking the feeling of the islands, perhaps like no other player can. The combination of electric steel guitar and piano is quite unusual on Hawaiian recordings, and one which both musicians felt of as a challenge. Martin Pahinui, son of the great Gabby Pahinui, adds his beautiful harmonic vocals to some songs. This album would not have been complete without Elodia's husband, Ray. Co-producer Yuki Yamauchi also plays ukulele with his former teacher and source of inspiration for his continuing passion in Hawaiian music. Elodia calls these musicians the 'top guns' of Hawaiian music. A unique gathering of musicians, masters of their individual instruments, many performing together for the first time on record.
Price: £11.99
Was £22.99.Pop hits played on the ukulele. Ukulele playing Japanese artists on this album are Kazuyiki Sekiguchi, Yoshio Nomura, Kurikorder Quartet, Kenji Kondo, Asatoshi Mastsui & the Sweet Hollywaiians and Wamu (Seiji Katsu and Ukulele Eiji). Tracks include Don't Worry Baby, Live a Virgin, Thriller, Every Breath You Take, Time after Time, Let's Dance, Purple Rain and Livin' on a Prayer.
Was £18.99. Japanese release of the latest album (for Christmas) from one of Hawaii's best selling local artists. Price: £11.99
Was £21.99. Bee Gees get the ukulele treatment. 70s disco classics How Deep is Your Love, Stayin' Alive, Too Much Heaven, and older tunes, Massachusettes, New York Mining Disaster, Melody Fair and others. 11 tracks.
Was £21.99. Compilation from one of Hawaii's most popular radio stations.
1. Intro -message from HAWAII 2. Baby I - Namahana 3. Time to Fight - Kurt Kipapa 4. In a Little Hula Heaven- Teresa Bright 5. Wild World - Herb Ohta Jr. 6. Sweet One / Milo Shade 7. Love Will Keep Us Alive - Steve Wofford 8. Out of the Blue - LAULA 9. Ewa Beach - Kevin Puahi 10. Po La'ila'i - Raiatea Helm 11. I Always Will- Ilona 12. Honi Honi - Laga Savea 13. Pua Olena - Anelai kalani 14. Outro ~message from HAWAII~
<bonus track> KCCN "FM100" ORIGINAL JINGLE
Price: £10.99
Was £23.99. The group that have probably done more to popularize Okinawan music- although they are not from Okinawa- on an album of mostly re-recorded versions of their best known Okinawan influenced songs. Arguably the originals are superior (Shima Uta) but occasionally better (Hyakuman Tsubu no Namida) Elsewhere original versions are included, and even material from Miyazawa's solo albums, that had an Okinawa connection. Overall, good introduction to one of the best sides of the Boom's work, and a success that helped change Japanese perceptions of Okinawa.
Was £19.99. First solo album by the Labour Exchange Band's Sheng Xiang. Several years in the making, under the guidance of co-producers, Trees Music's Chung Shefong and lyricist Yongfeng, Sheng Xiang and Water 3 is, if anything, a step up on the LEB. Sheng's melodies are as strong and memorable as ever, and Yongfeng's lyrics as pertinent. He clearly believes, passionately, in whatever it is he is singing about, in his pretty much western singer songwriter style. Fortunately the exemplary liner notes and packaging comes with full translations, and are not songs of banal cliches or introverted observations, but of real issues affecting real people. Getting Dark is set around a character reflecting on the boom period of the 1980s, when many peasants and country people arrived in the cities seeking their slice of the economic miracle. As boom started to turn to bust, and the factories closed down (and opened on mainland China where the cheaper labour was) many lost their jobs. Ashamed to return home without fulfilling their earlier promise of new found wealth, these people are to be found roaming the streets on the outskirts of the cities. Sheng Xiang's acoustic guitar is augmented by Chinese moon guitar, plus the pipa, (ancient Chinese lute) the sanxian, (Chinese three stringed lute) and even it's Okinawan offspring, the sanshin, performed by Takashi Hirayasu on the album's final track. Harmonica and fretless bass add the western elements on an album that skillfully blends Chinese, Taiwanese and Western elements into a sound that has become a distinctive hallmark of Sheng Xiang.
Price: £12.99
Was £19.99. Betel Nuts Brothers are four brothers and a cousin who are Amis, a Taiwanese indigenous group. They are hunters who lost their lands and livelihood and adapted to an urban lifestyle. In order to preserve the Amis traditional culture and way of life they play their music and dance to protect the inheritance passed down from their ancestors. Their music and dances are joyous and uplifting, with guitars, congas, bamboo drums and a variety of voices and chanting. The beautiful packaging comes with English liner notes. A wonderful album.
Was £22.99. Re-recordings of popular songs or kayokyoku until 1948. Kayokyoku are generally the middle ground between pop, with western characteristics and Japanese enka with strong Japanese characteristics. They originated from the time of the first major foreign affiliated record companies. 18 tracks, sung by artists including Michiya Mihashi, Hachiro Kasuga, Rintaro Shoji, Utako Matsushima, Akihiro Miwa, Goro Kagami, Miyako Otsuki, Minoru Obata and Haruo Oka.
Price: £14.99
Was £22.99. Re-recordings of 18 pop hits from the enka kayo scene between 1948-1955. Artists include Haruo Oka, Ken Tsumura, Minoru Obata, Machiko Sanjo, Isao Hayashi, Chieko Baisho, Chiemi Eri, Taeko Yoshioka and Ichiro Wakahara.
