This creative pairing of Yumiko Morioka and Takashi Kokubo is a match made in ambient / chill out / deep listening / healing / post-classical – how ever you want to call it – heaven. Kokubo has somewhat belatedly found worldwide fame / acclaim as one of the pioneers of the Japanese electronic take on “ambient” branded “kankyo ongaku” (1). Pianist Morioka’s sole new age nuanced LP, Resonance, a few years ago reached cult / “grail” status. The album, Gaiaphillia, finds the 2 artists working together, totally sympathetically.  

On the opening Birds Of Borneo, for example, Morioka’s keys play call-and-response with the wildlife captured by Kokubo’s patented binaural field recordings (2). The quality, clarity of the production, crystalline on a decent Hi-Fi or headphones. For the title track, sparse solo notes, now elegantly echoed, seamlessly segue with the song of a fast flowing, body of fresh water. Closing your eyes, the results transporting you out into the open air. 

A lot, if not all, ambient / deep listening music aims to draw you away from the stresses of the day-to-day and into the sanctuary of its own sonic world. This often requires effort, a readjustment / recalibration of the senses, a switching off, and then switching on. Gaiaphillia, however, achieves this effortlessly, sweetly. You’ve relaxed into it before you’ve even realised what’s happening. The harvested nature and simple, reverb rich, romantic, grand piano ripples – improvisations rooted in classical composition – surrounding you, shielding you, keeping you safe from harm. Virginia Astley’s classic From Gardens Where We Feel Secure, consequently, is a prime point of reference.

Elegant Spiral takes its name from rising and falling synth effects. These whistle around an enchanted space like comets chasing at each other’s tails. Ancient Beach is washed by a tide of sampled surf. O-Ka-Gu-Ra sets soft sighs, temple chimes, woodwinds, and harp-like glissandi to slow ceremonial percussion, and is a fair approximation of Kokubo’s spellbinding live performances (3). A frog chorus forms the focus for Veil Of Night (4). Hibiki Of Katakamuna is a final chant / prayer.

NOTES

(1) While not a household name, Kokubo’s sonic creations are everywhere in Japan and have been for decades. Setting the mood in showrooms and shopping malls. Acting as everyday mobile phone “alerts” – such as e-payment signals, and earthquake warnings.

(2) Kokubo travels the globe making these recordings with a custom-made mic in the shape of a mannequin. A companion he calls Cyber-kun. 

(3) These are accompanied by visuals, vistas of computer-generated, virtual Edens.

(4) Where I live, in the mountains, during the spring, around the planting of the rice paddies, at night the frogs’ song is deafening. It’s a real surprise, a wonder, when you first hear it, this crazy cacophony of courting amphibians. I have a ton of recordings on my phone, captured in the dark, while waiting for my kids outside countryside study clubs and crammers.

Takashi & Cyber-kun, care of Takashi Kokubo. 

Yumiko Morioka & Takashi Kokubo’s Gaiaphillia can be ordered directly from Métron Records.