https://rawtonkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ceramic-soul
Genre: Free Jazz
Rating: 4/5
This seems like a solo guitar thing. After scanning my mind for a bit I decided that Stian Westerhus might be a good comparison to put you, my reader, in the general vicinity, and after thinking on it a bit I think, sure that’s fair.
But on my second listen here I’m thinking hold up that sure sounds like two people. And the bandcamp notes do say: “Riuichi Daijo: Electric Guitar
Toshimaru Nakamura: No-input Mixing Board”
No-input Mixing Board? Such a misunderstood instrument! I honestly have no clue what Nakamura is doing but not every sound is coming from a guitar. I mean, I don’t think so at least. Definitely a legit duo.
Anyway, the music here is very abstract and is actually on the outskirts of what can legit be called jazz. I used to like calling everything improvised jazz because I felt like I was being a no limit revolutionary or something. Now I’m leaning back into the “hey words need to have meaning” camp.
Still, however we classify it, that doesn’t reshape the sound vibrations that were created here. A rose is a rose is a rose.
The music is austere. It seems to be about the sound and not the artists egos. There’s no breaking the mood to show off. The music comes first here.
I will comment a bit on technique. I like Daijo’s tone. If the guitar notes rattle it’s because they want them, too. The tone is crisp and clear. It’s a pleasure to listen to, especially when it’s this far out there.
Warmth Highest 