Masayoshi Fujita Bird Ambience

Erased Tapes

Prolific vibraphonist and composer Masayoshi Fujita takes a stunning new direction on this wonderful new album. The first major change is the highly acclaimed Japanese artist’s move away from the vibraphone, the backbone to his much-lauded triptych that included 2012’s Stories, 2015’s Apologues and 2018’s Book of Life. On Bird Ambience, Fujita moves to the marimba, with its elegant and beautiful tones taking centre stage. The second, even more fascinating change, is Fujita bringing his many musical sides together in the same place at the same time for the first time. Until now, the prolific composer has kept his acoustic solo recordings, his electronic dub that he makes as El Fog, and his experimental improvisations completely separate. Smelting them together with cohesion and grace, Fujita presents his all-encompassing vision throughout. The subtle beauty of the marimba weaves between layered synths, choral samples, jazzy drums, bass, drone textures, FX and tape recorder to create this brilliantly stylised vision. A masterclass in improvisation, Bird Ambience drifts along at an unhurried pace, allowing each sound the space to absorb fully into the highly immersive atmosphere. The record feels personal and inviting, welcoming you into its calming interior. Masayoshi Fujita at his best. Tom Jones

ADD THESE TO YOUR PLAYLIST:

Bird Ambience, Thunder, Nord Ambient

8/10