In the early ‘90s, the sound of ‘Osamu’ reached its musical peak with his masterful albums Mandala (1991) and Behind the Light (1992). A four-year hiatus followed, but in 1996, Osamu Kitajima returned with an album that charted a brand new direction and expanded his musical sensibilities as an artist.
Beyond the Circle is a fusion album of East (organic Japanese instruments with traditional Geisha-esque voice-work) and West (modern synthesized layerings and rhythms). The result is no doubt fascinating, in particular the album’s fresh arrangements that seem to suggest unlimited possibilities for East-West fusion compositions in the genre of new-age and electronic music. Put yourself in 1996, and this album would begin to feel radical.
In fact, it almost straddles into dance and trance music territory, without the cookie-cutter artifice. Each track has its own unique properties, yet musically, the album has a consistent new sound. Kitajima would try to replicate that ‘sound’ again in the album Two Bridges Crossing (2008), in itself an interesting hybrid album, but executed less successfully.
Highlights:
‘Beyond the Circle’ – The title track is also my favourite. Starts off with percussion, shamisen, and a groovy electronic rhythm, before a synth flute melody comes into play. Throughout the piece, we are treated to superb arrangements of electronic layers and koto. Traditional Japanese voice-work also punctuates the music playfully. No matter how long this is on repeat, it doesn’t get tiring.
‘Mind Thieves’ – Strong rhythms keep this track lively. The melody is performed on koto, while some of the most invigorating voice-work of the album comes in the chorus of this track.
‘The Bush Warbler’ – A deep-synth instrument and voice-work begin the track. There’s no distinctive melody here, but there’s a range of instruments used, including shakuhachi, electric guitar, and a myriad of electronic layerings. At about 2:40, there’s a bridging section with beautiful vocalization and taiko drumming, possibly the most memorable moment of the album. allmusic
Tracklist :
1. Beyond The Circle 5:15
2. Mind Thieves 4:43
3. Darkness Desired 5:14
4. Blue Fire 5:23
5. Evening Privilege 5:11
6. The Bush Warbler 6:04
7. Fading Sky 3:48
8. Bonito Moxie 5:01
9. Goldfish Lingo 4:43
10. Distant Episode 5:02
Credits :
Guitar – Nels Cline
Kakegoe – Sei Kitajima
Producer, Synthesizer, Guitar, Piano, Percussion, Koto, Biwa, Composed By, Arranged By, Mixed By, Engineer – Osamu Kitajima
Producer, Synthesizer, Piano, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Composed By, Arranged By, Mixed By – Christopher Mancinelli
Shinobue, Shakuhachi – Masakazu Yoshizawa
