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***Love Time is under-documented Korean alto player Kang Tae Hwan's debut release; his trio includes Makoto Kawabata and percussionist Ichiraku Yoshimitsu, the latter well-traveled in both improv and rock circles, having been a member of Omoide Hatoba and a frequent collaborator with heavyweights like Otomo Yoshide and Haco. The inescapable Makoto Kawabata is best known for his Deep Purple-style rock as a member of Acid Mothers Temple, but on his own has produced a string of subtle, elegiac solo CDs, performing on guitar, organ, electronics, etc. More minimalist than free jazz, Love Time centers on Hwan's long circular tones, avoiding common free-alto styles in favor of a roughly hewn clarion approach. Kawabata and Yoshimitsu shadow Hwan subtly on sarangi and bowed percussion. The music gradually builds to a crescendo, with Kawabata switching to guitar and Yoshimitsu moving to the drum kit. An atmospheric and understated work. In letterpress gatefold. One track, fifty minutes. We'll see you when you get back. Active since the '70s, Hwan has recorded for Japanese Victor and DIW labels, played at Moers, toured Japan a few times, and collaborated with Gerry Hemingway and Otomo Yoshihide, among others. His discography includes several CDs of solo alto improvisations and a duo CD with Tuvan vocalist Sainkho Namtchylak. More recently he has collaborated with Alfred Harth during Harth's residency in Seoul. If you have a subscription account at emusic.com, you can download tracks for purchase here. [please note that, due to international licensing agreements, not all Midheaven titles may be available for download in all territories]. |
