Kitaro in Electronic Music

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"The Best Of The Silk Road" (02/25/2003) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPartially recorded in Xian, China in 2002.

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"Ancient" (05/08/2001) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel includes: Slava (vocals); London Philharmonic Orchestra. Engineers: Gary Barlough, Chris Dibble, Shin-ichi Akagawa. ANCIENT was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. On this 2001 release, Kitaro continues his exploration of symphonic sound, creating a highly cinematic travelogue of Ancient Egypt. One might expect an album about Egypt to feature exotic instrumentation or a world fusion sound, but ANCIENT's sensibilities derive mostly from Western classical traditions. Aside from some vaguely tribal-sounding percussion in "Tumba Dance," this is a Westerner's take on the Middle East of old, replete with a guest appearance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The opening theme, "Nile," gushes forth with all the force of the nominal river and flows sweetly, with subtle, wordless vocals. The mincing "Ritual Dance" recalls, strangely but entertainingly, "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies." Other nice moments include the brooding "Wave from Ancient" and the playful, pretty "Unicorn." "Beyond" is a strong album-closer that leaves you wondering how Kitaro will top himself next time.

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"Best of Kitaro Volume 2" (02/09/1999) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsThe first 25,000 units of BEST OF KITARO VOLUME 2 will be available in a limited-edition that includes the bonus disc THE SOONG SISTERS.

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"Reinterpretations: Inspired by the Works of Kitaro" (08/24/2004) Electronic Various Artists, Domo RecordsTributee: Kitaro.

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"Thinking of You" (11/02/1999) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Kitaro (various instruments); Masa Ito (classical guitar); Tito La Rosa (pututo, quena, sampana); Gary Barlough (programming). THINKING OF YOU won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album.

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"An Ancient Journey" (02/26/2002) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Kitaro (various instruments); Kristin Stordahl Kanda (flute, alto flute). Recorded at Mochi House, USA and Japan. AN ANCIENT JOURNEY was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best New Age Album. Although this set is entitled AN ANCIENT JOURNEY, in the hands of Kitaro history is only half the story. The musician creates an atmospheric sense of space, and refuses to clutter it up, leaving one to feel that he's speaking as much about the future as the past. At the very least, he suggests that the spiritual truths unlocked by ancient civilizations have yet to be fully realized. Of course, this drama is also achieved by conventional Kitaro methods--the electronic droplets of "Whisper," or the orchestral sweep of "Maya Magic," for instance--but less so than in other productions. For the most part, this is an understated, imagistic album, one that roams freely through time and space.

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"Spiritual Garden" (02/21/2006) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Paul Pesco (guitar).

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"Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai, Vol. 1" (09/09/2003) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsSolo performer: Kitaro. SACRED JOURNEY OF KU-KAI was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Solo performer: Kitaro. SACRED JOURNEY OF KU-KAI was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. Kitaro seeks to create music that embodies the universal spirit of mankind. By using a broad mix of traditional elements--such as ancient temple bells (recorded on location) and chanting monks--Kitaro aims for a sense of world unity through a conscious blending of ethnic sounds with electronic music. Stating on the liner notes that this album was inspired by the events of 9/11, Kitaro presents a collection of distinct pieces--each completely different from the last--linked by a common spirit of healing. Water and seaside sounds mingle with bells, dancing electronic notes, and flutes in "Michi." In "Kageroh," Eastern sitar and chants blend with atmospheric sounds reminiscent of Kitaro's occasional collaborator, master keyboardist Klaus Schulze. With "Flow," Kitaro reveals his love of the electric guitar, unexpectedly merging it with traditional Eastern percussion and harp. This album, which Kitaro promises is the first of several dedicated to world healing, showcases the composer's musical dexterity and his facility at creating an overall sense of calmness and clarity.

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"Live In America" (10/26/1999) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Kitaro, Kit Walker, Brian Becvar (keyboards); Barry Coates (guitar); Charlie Bisharat (violin); Reggie Hamilton (bass); Casey Scheuerell (drums); Ken Park (percussion). Recorded live at the Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia on April 25, 1990. Captured during his 1990 world tour, this live recording from Atlanta's Fox Theater showcases some of Kitaro's best moments of the '70s and '80s, including "Silk Road," from the soundtrack to the popular BBC production of the same name, and "Caravansary" from his 1975 debut, ASIA. Kitaro also recreates, in almost exact sequence, tracks from his concurrent album, KOJIKI. Although they don't differ significantly from their studio versions, these tracks are enriched by the energy of the live setting. "Nageki," with its Phillip Glass-like fractal measures and searching melody, especially benefits from the ecstatic interplay between Kitaro's accomplished band.

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"Daylight Moonlight: Live In Yakushiji" (10/08/2002) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel includes: Yakushiji Monks (chant vocals); Yayoi Sakiyama (violin); Shinji Ebihara, Keiko Takahashi (keyboards). Recorded live at Yakushiji Temple, Nara, Japan in 2001. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel includes: Yakushiji Monks (chant vocals); Yayoi Sakiyama violin); Shinji Ebihara, Keiko Takahashi (keyboards). Recorded live at Yakushiji Temple, Nara, Japan in 2001. In the seventh century CE Genjo Sanzo walked the length of the Silk Road from Japan to India and back, bringing with him the scriptures that introduced Buddhism to Japan and China. On this live two-disc album, recorded at the monastery where Genjo's ashes are harbored, Kitaro attempts to capture the passions that sustained the monk on his long journeys. The album opens with the somber, unadorned chanting of the Yakushiji monks. As with most of his studio albums, DAYLIGHT, MOONLIGHT finds Kitaro effortlessly bridging the traditional and the forward-thinking, particularly on songs such as "Hazimari/Sozo" and "Estrella." The standout track, "Mercury," originally featured on his Grammy Award-winning album THINKING OF YOU, finds his flute gliding over a sparse industrial landscape. In all, a strong set that lives up to the story of the monk who inspired it.

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"Tenku" (06/17/1997) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsSolo performer: Kitaro (sythesizer, guitar, piano, drums, percussion). Includes liner notes by Kitaro. Digitally remastered by Doug Sax (The Mastering Lab).

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"Kojiki" (07/22/2003) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsThis is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel: Kitaro, Hiroshi Araki (guitar); Steven Kindler (violins); Yasuo Ogata (keyboards); Kohhachi Itoh (electric bass); Syoji Fuji (drums); Hideo Funamato (timpani). Skywalker Symphony Strings: Steven Kindler, Adrienne Duckworth, Jim Schallenberger, Stefan Hersh, Carol Schwamberger, Jenny Amador, Sara Usher, Emily Van Valkenberg, Cliff Foster, Greg Mazmanian, Carla Picchi, Sharon Calonico, Irene Sazer, Tristan Lehnert, Ron Erickson, John Tenney, Eline Van Den Ende (violin); Ruth Freeman, Roxanne Jacobson, Jim Hurley, Linda Ghidossi-Deluca, Paul Erlich (viola); Dan Reiter, Jenny Culp, Thalia Moore,Terry Adams, Sharon O'Conner (cello); Shinji Eshima, Jeff Neighbor, Pat Klobas, Mark Drury, Tim Spears (bass). Originally released on Geffen #24255. Digitally remastered by Doug Sax (The Mastering Lab). This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel: Kitaro; Hiroshi Araki (guitar); Michael Rozon (keyboards); Kohhachi Itoh (electric double bass); Syoji Fujii (drums); Hideo Funamoto (timpani); Steven Kindler. Recording information: Kitaro's Studio, Japan; Skywalker Studio, San Francisco, California.

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"Best of Kitaro" (07/06/2004) Electronic Kitaro, New World Music (UK)

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"Light Of The Spirit" (07/04/2005) Electronic Kitaro, Columbia (Japan)Personnel: Kitaro; Lynn Ray, Jeannie Tracy (vocals); David Jenkins, Hiroshi Araki (guitar); Bobby Black (pedal steel guitar); David Grisman (mandolin); Norihiro Tsuru (violin); John Meyer (flute); Tomoyuki Hayashi (keyboards); Bobby Vega (bass); Mickey Hart (percussion, sound effects); Zakir Hussain, Jose Lorenzo (percussion). Digitally remastered by Doug Sax (The Mastering Lab).

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"An Enchanted Evening" (07/04/1995) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Kitaro (keyboards, taiko drums, guitar, wooden flute, Tibetan long horn, vocals); Angus Clark (guitar); Lorenza Ponce (violin); Nawang Khechog (flute, percussion, vocals, Tibetan long horn, digeridoo); Diana Dentino, Keith Heffner (keyboards); Jeff McElroy (bass); Yoshi Shimada (drums); Derek Zimmerman (percussion). All songs written by Kitaro. AN ENCHANTED EVENING was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. Released in the mid-'90s in conjunction with a video of the same name, AN ENCHANTED EVENING is a live recreation of most of Kitaro's 1994 guitar-heavy album, MANDALA. Sensitive renditions of "Silk Road" (Kitaro's most-record tune) and the sweeping "Heaven and Earth," from the soundtrack of Oliver Stone's film, round out the program. The live ensemble (including a violinist, bassist, and didgeridoo player, in addition to Kitaro's keys, guitars and flutes) has the dynamic sense of a great jazz band, feeding off each other's inspiration and the excitement of the crowd. As always, the music shifts regularly from quiet, reflective passages to plosive thunder, usually within the same song, reminding us that there's no soft-volume requirement for spiritual music.

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"Dream" (10/26/1999) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Kitaro (synthesizer); Jon Anderson, Jonathan Goldman (vocals); Hiroshi Araki, Jimmy Hahn (guitar); Kristin Stordahl Kanda (flute); Shigeru Okazawa (electric bass); Steve Bailey (bass); Syoji Fijii (drums); T.Y. Burhos (tabla); Ken Park (percussion); Deborah Anderson (background vocals); Coral Symphony Strings. Kitaro has always shown a flair for the dramatic with his serious synthesizer opuses, but on DREAM, he lets loose with a hitherto unexpressed romanticism, couched in showy orchestral arrangements and ecstatic love ballads. Added to the mix is Jon Anderson, whose vocals and lyrics take center stage on about half of the songs on this highly theatrical album. Kitaro's showstopper, "Lady of Dreams," marries a memorable accordion-laced cabaret melody with spectacular symphonic flourishes. Steve Bailey's fretless bass drives the tuneful "Agreement," which sounds like a FRAGILE-era Yes. In keeping with the aggressively entertaining songs, even "Dream of Chant"--a drone for vocals, tabla, and harmonium--is less a peaceful meditation than a tense mood piece punctuated by violent percussion. DREAM culminates in the exhilarating "Island of Life," which begins as a sweet synth lullaby, and builds to an ecstatic crescendo of passionate singing and crystalline strings.

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"Kojiki [Remaster]" (04/21/1998) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsThis is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel: Kitaro, Hiroshi Araki (guitar); Steven Kindler (violins); Yasuo Ogata (keyboards); Kohhachi Itoh (electric bass); Syoji Fuji (drums); Hideo Funamato (timpani). Skywalker Symphony Strings: Steven Kindler, Adrienne Duckworth, Jim Schallenberger, Stefan Hersh, Carol Schwamberger, Jenny Amador, Sara Usher, Emily Van Valkenberg, Cliff Foster, Greg Mazmanian, Carla Picchi, Sharon Calonico, Irene Sazer, Tristan Lehnert, Ron Erickson, John Tenney, Eline Van Den Ende (violin); Ruth Freeman, Roxanne Jacobson, Jim Hurley, Linda Ghidossi-Deluca, Paul Erlich (viola); Dan Reiter, Jenny Culp, Thalia Moore,Terry Adams, Sharon O'Conner (cello); Shinji Eshima, Jeff Neighbor, Pat Klobas, Mark Drury, Tim Spears (bass). Originally released on Geffen #24255. Digitally remastered by Doug Sax (The Mastering Lab).

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"The Best of Ten Years 1976-86 (20 Bit Master)" (08/05/1997) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel includes: Kitaro; Hiroshi Araki. Recorded at Kitaro's studio, Yasaka, Japan. Digitally remastered by Doug Sax (The Mastering Lab). One of the leading lights of the late-1970s/early-'80s New Age movement, Kitaro (aka Masanori Takahasi) is well-represented by this two-disc overview of his early solo work, which finds the Japanese keyboardist notably influenced by the synthesizer innovations of Klaus Schulze. Highlights of this instrumental compilation include the lullaby-like "Shimmering Horizon" and "Theme from Silk Road," a gentle piece from Kitaro's renowned SILK ROAD SUITE, along with the ornate, slightly more upbeat "Oasis" and the percussive "God of Thunder." While many Kitaro compilations have followed this 16-track offering, few cover the composer's formative solo material as deftly as THE BEST OF TEN YEARS.

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"Oasis" (09/23/2002) Electronic Kitaro, Pony Canyon Records (Japan)Solo performer: Kitaro (acoustic guitar, synthesizer, percussion, programming). Originally released on Pony Canyon Records in 1979. Digitally remastered by Doug Sax and Gavin Lursseen.

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"Best of Kitaro Volume 1" (02/04/1997) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsAll tracks have been digitally remastered.

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"Gaia Onbashira" (05/19/1998) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel: Kitaro (various instruments); Tadayasu Nishi, Jonathan Goldman (spoken vocals); Maso Ito (classical guitar); Angus Clark (electric guitar, 12 string guitar); Ryusuke Seto (biwa); Kristin Stordahl Kanda (transversal flute); Keiko Takahashi (hand drums, sound effects); Ty Burhoe (tabla, tamboura); Derek Zimmerman, Luis Perez (percussion); Gary Barlough, Miazawa, Rieko (sound effects). Recorded at Mochi Studio, Ward, Colorado. Includes liner notes by Kitaro. GAIA ONBASHIRA was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best New Age Album. GAIA ONBASHIRA pays tribute to Mother Earth and to Onbashira Matsuri, a festival celebrating the rebuilding of one of Japan's oldest structures, the Suwa Grand Shrine in Nagano. Kitaro, in other words, once again takes on two of his favorite themes: the importance of nature in our lives, and the need to maintain a spiritual connection to past traditions in this world of ever-increasing complexity and chaos. The album opens with bird imitations by Kitaro and guests (calling themselves "human birds"); the listener is then taken on a winding journey through a variety of sonic landscapes. Stops along the way include the meditative "Tanne," evoking the image of mist-covered mountains from old Japanese paintings; the lushly orchestrated "Misty," reminiscent of Kitaro's award-winning score for Oliver Stone's HEAVEN & EARTH; and the droning, mildly Indian-influenced "Gaia," recalling his 1994 album, MANDALA. His textures range from the gentle and ethereal, bringing to mind his early treks along THE SILK ROAD, to the strident and pulsating, reminding us of his roots in progressive rock. He employs a rich array of instruments, including the Japanese biwa, the Indian tabla and tamboura, and the David Gilmour-inspired guitar work of Angus Clark.

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"Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai, Vol. 1" (10/21/2003) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsSolo performer: Kitaro. SACRED JOURNEY OF KU-KAI was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Solo performer: Kitaro. SACRED JOURNEY OF KU-KAI was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel: Kitaro. Kitaro seeks to create music that embodies the universal spirit of mankind. By using a broad mix of traditional elements--such as ancient temple bells (recorded on location) and chanting monks--Kitaro aims for a sense of world unity through a conscious blending of ethnic sounds with electronic music. Stating on the liner notes that this album was inspired by the events of 9/11, Kitaro presents a collection of distinct pieces--each completely different from the last--linked by a common spirit of healing. Water and seaside sounds mingle with bells, dancing electronic notes, and flutes in "Michi." In "Kageroh," Eastern sitar and chants blend with atmospheric sounds reminiscent of Kitaro's occasional collaborator, master keyboardist Klaus Schulze. With "Flow," Kitaro reveals his love of the electric guitar, unexpectedly merging it with traditional Eastern percussion and harp. This album, which Kitaro promises is the first of several dedicated to world healing, showcases the composer's musical dexterity and his facility at creating an overall sense of calmness and clarity.

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"Daylight Moonlight: Live In Yakushiji" (07/22/2003) Electronic Kitaro, Domo RecordsPersonnel includes: Yakushiji Monks (chant vocals); Yayoi Sakiyama (violin); Shinji Ebihara, Keiko Takahashi (keyboards). Recorded live at Yakushiji Temple, Nara, Japan in 2001. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel includes: Yakushiji Monks (chant vocals); Yayoi Sakiyama violin); Shinji Ebihara, Keiko Takahashi (keyboards). Recorded live at Yakushiji Temple, Nara, Japan in 2001. This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players. Personnel: Kitaro; Yakushiji Temple Monks (chant); Yayoi Sakiyama (violin); Keiko Takahashi, Shinji Ebihara (keyboards); Tomoko Nomura (percussion). Recording information: Yakushiji Temple, Nara, Japan. In the seventh century CE Genjo Sanzo walked the length of the Silk Road from Japan to India and back, bringing with him the scriptures that introduced Buddhism to Japan and China. On this live two-disc album, recorded at the monastery where Genjo's ashes are harbored, Kitaro attempts to capture the passions that sustained the monk on his long journeys. The album opens with the somber, unadorned chanting of the Yakushiji monks. As with most of his studio albums, DAYLIGHT, MOONLIGHT finds Kitaro effortlessly bridging the traditional and the forward-thinking, particularly on songs such as "Hazimari/Sozo" and "Estrella." The standout track, "Mercury," originally featured on his Grammy Award-winning album THINKING OF YOU, finds his flute gliding over a sparse industrial landscape. In all, a strong set that lives up to the story of the monk who inspired it.