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.

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:   £18.99

Tatsuya Koumazaki plays an acoustic guitar, made from paulownia wood so it sounds similar to a koto (Japanese zither). He is backed up by his group Pangea playing a mixture of Japanese (shinobu, noukan flutes, koto) and Western instruments (percussion and bass). This album was recorded in a sake brewery and has a meditative, spiritual feeling. It features a poem reading and even the Chief sake brewer on the album's final track. Booklet is in Japanese washi paper, adding to the effect on a wonderful album.