Release Date: 04/09/26 - The Arch
This record will be released
Watanabe places the vibrant timbres of traditional Japanese instruments (shinobue and ryuteki flutes, taiko drums, narimono percussion instruments, and koto, a 13-string zither) in compositions and jazz improvisations. These traditional instruments are contrasted by the many layers of acoustic and electronic instruments - piano, synthesizers, tenor saxophone, soprano and alto flutes, and harp, all played by Watanabe.
Artist: Kaoru Watanabe
Genre: Japanese Jazz/Funk
Label: New Amsterdam Records
Created in deep collaboration with Grammy-Award Winning producer William Brittelle, alongside executive producer Shahzad Ismaily, over the course of a year at Figure 8 as part of its Open Residency program, The Arch is a cathartic celebration of a life in music, of transformation and self discovery.
The collaboration with Brittelle, who encouraged Watanabe to dig deep into his personal musical history, opened the floodgates for Watanabe and to use all of the tools at his disposal during the creation of the album. He explains, "William opened things up for me and encouraged me to put everything on the table. I began to experiment with sounds, instruments, and compositional tools I normally would not have. This process really allowed me to explore the entirety of my musical being."
About the artist
Kaoru Watanabe is a Japanese-American composer, flautist, percussionist, improviser, curator, and artistic director
This 1LP Vinyl product is a:
- Standard Pressing
If this album is something you would like to buy when it's released, drop us a line on chat@capsulerecords.co.uk or let us know when you are next in store.
