Beyond the Circle (1996) - Osamu Kitajima

Review #25

ALBUM INFO

Artiste:  Osamu Kitajima

Year:  1996

Genre:  New Age / Oriental

Duration:  51 mins

Label:  East Quest Records

Format:  CD

TRACK LISTING

1. ‘Beyond the Circle’ – 5:17
2. ‘Mind Thieves’ – 4:44
3. ‘Darkness Desired’ – 5:15
4. ‘Blue Fire’ – 5:23
5. ‘Evening Privilege’ – 5:14
6. ‘The Bush Warbler’ – 6:00
7. ‘Fading Sky’ – 3:50
8. ‘Bonito Moxie’ – 5:03
9. ‘Goldfish Lingo’ – 4:46
10. ‘Distant Episode’ – 5:03

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3DY5us8IQIDV5hKJQxu4nS

CAPSULE REVIEW

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. 

Reviewed on Luxman Stereo Integrated Amplifier A-383, Marantz Compact Disc Player CD-63SE, and a pair of 1973 New Advent Loudspeakers.

Sound Quality:  Superb recording 

Rating: