Joe Downard - Seven Japanese Tales (2020)

Seven Japanese Tales is a suite of compositions inspired by the deeply lyrical and moving short stories of the great Japanese writer, Junichiro Tanizaki. The album explores bassist and composer Joe Downard’s interest in Japanese literature and features seven compositions, each named after one of the stories, bringing to life the narratives, characters, moods and dynamics through interweaving melodies, improvised passages, and lush soundscapes. The album features an augmented sextet lineup, including electronic elements and field recordings from Downard’s travels in Japan.

“If light is scarce then light is scarce; we will immerse ourselves in the darkness and there discover its own particular beauty.”

- Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows



Track List:
01. A Portrait of Shunkin (9:10)
02. Terror (6:11)
03. Bridge of Dreams (5:21)
04. The Tattooer (9:32)
05. Aguri (7:33)
06. The Thief (10:02)
07. A Blind Man's Tale (10:24)

Joe Downard - Double Bass / Synthesisers
Alex Hitchcock - Tenor Saxophone
James Copus - Trumpet / Flugel Horn
Will Barry - Piano
Rupert Cox - Synthesisers
Felix Ambach - Drums
Jon Moody - Hammond Organ
Todd Speakman - Space Echo

Recorded at Master Chord Studio, London
by Dougal Lott on 24th September, 2019
Mixed by Ben Mason
Mastered by Paul Jones

Produced by Joe Downard & Todd Speakman
Executive producer Martin Hummel

More Music in My Blog
Follow My RSS Channel