Recording of 'Nasca Fantasy' (1994)
U.S. Release date: March 9, 1999 Europe Release date: February Japan Release date: February 20, 1999 Japan Selection # SRCL 4469 (repertoire owner) U.S. Selection #WK51904 Europe Selection # 494030 2 (computer # 01-494030-10)
Kodo Sai-so
KODO/Sai-so These are the Japanese Characters for Sai-so (meaning re-constructed) Just as Kodo's countless international tours have taken their art to new territories, Saiso places their compelling melodies and rhythms in a variety refreshing new settings. Celebrated Japanese hip-hop pioneer and Mo' Wax recording artist DJ Krush uses subtle cut-ups to bring Kodo in synch with the beat of the street. Fluttering drum and bass figures dot David Beal's take on "Baron Jehan," while Kevin Yost fashions the dense sonic fabric of Kodo into fluid underground house shapes. Yet regardless of each track's individual context, the purity of intention fueling every beat and note of the Taiko resonates clearly throughout. Saiso began life in the wake of Kodo's 1997 Sony/Tristar album Ibuki, their fourth U.S. release. That record paired the ensemble with producer Bill Laswell. While Kodo's nine previous titles had concentrated on creating original compositions within the confines of their discipline's traditions, Ibuki cast a wider musical net, infusing the constructions with judiciously selected elements that reflected Laswell's background in hip-hop, ambient, funk and world music productions. It proved tremendously successful. Ibuki climbed to No. 7 on Billboard's World Music chart. |