Yoshiko Sai – Mangekyou LP

Description

LP version. Wewantsounds presents the release of one of Japan’s most coveted albums of the ’70s, Mangekyouby singer-songwriterYoshiko Sai. Produced in 1975 by Master musicianYuji Ohno, the album features Yoshiko Sai’s superbly crafted songs and crystal-clear voice over Ohno’s lush, funky sound and breezy arrangements. A strong buzz has been growing around the album over the years and original copies now change hands for large sums of money. This is the first timeMangekyouis available outside of Japan, featuring remastered audio, original artwork and a four-page insert including new liner notes byPaul Bowler. Yoshiko Sai holds a unique status in the Japanese music landscape. The Japanese singer songwriter made a strong impression with her blend of ethereal melodies, poetic lyrics and crystalline singing. A private, almost enigmatic artist, Sai only made four highly praised albums during the ’70s and all but retired from the music industry in 1979, which adds to the mystic surrounding her persona. Only thanks to the persistence of Japanese guitaristJojo Hiroshigefrom the noise groupHijokaidandid she come out of retirement to record new material in the 2000s. She was originally noticed by key record labels and swiftly signed to Black Records/Teichiku. This led to the recording ofMangekyou(“Kaleidoscope”), in the Spring of 1975. While she penned all the material forMangekyou, the arrangements were assigned to Ace producer Yuji Ohno, one of the top arrangers in Tokyo at the time. Ohno helped craft the album’s superb funk sound and also played keyboards. The album displays Sai’s unique craftmanship when it comes to songwriting and alternates between mid and up-tempo songs such as “Yoru No Sei” (Night Spirit) and “Fuyu No Chikadou” (Winter Underpass) and more atmospheric ballads such as “Tsubaki Wa Ochita Kaya” (Did The Camellia Fall?) or “Yukionna” (Snow Woman). It’s worth noting Ohno blended his rich arrangements with elements of Japanese traditional music, with the use of such instruments as the Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Tsuzumi (hand drum), and Biwa (wooden lute), giving the music its unique twist. All in all, listening toMangekyouis a unique experience and it’s easy to see why the album and Yoshiko Sai garnered such a cult following over the years.