专辑简介

by Brian OlewnickLuwa is a live set, recorded in Zurich, by an improvising trio made up of synthesizer, electric guitar, and electronics. It consists of two longish quiet pieces in which both the guitar and other guitar-like tones tend to be in the foreground. Akiyama uses long sustains and fairly consonant notes, suspending them over somewhat more insistent activity from the other two musicians. The overall feel of the first improvisation is one of dreamy, though not untroubled, serenity with the sounds of bells, organs, and avian whistles percolating up through the mix, kept honest by less "musical" clicks and ragged hums. The second is even quieter. In fact, it nestles quite comfortably in the sort of territory explored by fellow contemplative guitarist Taku Sugimoto. Both pieces work fairly well, the musicians clearly in rapt communication with each other and, presumably, achieving the delicate stasis they sought. One might wish for a few "stumbling blocks" to be tossed in their path to compromise the relative ease with which they negotiate their sound-world, but that would be a minor quibble. As it stands, Luwa is an enjoyable window into a lucid, peaceful corner of free improvisation.