Ryo Kawasaki Group
Nature's Revenge

The visionary work of avant-garde violin player Valentina Goncharova has recently come into focus thanks to two volumes of recordings presented on Ukrainian label Muscut. Those snapshots felt like a window into what must be a vast pool of work she carried out during her most prolific years, and this release on Hidden Harmony speaks to that. Recorded in 1988 by Goncharova with her sometime collaborator I. Zubkov, this suite of 10 parts embarked upon extensive experiments into recording processes and studio techniques, and the results speak for themselves. From Goncharova's angular playing style to the tapestry of electronic interference woven around, this is remarkable, experimental but also wholly engaging work finally unearthed for a broader audience.

Seikatsu K?jy? Iinkai's self titled long player documents the unique moment when the thriving NYC free jazz scene met the equally fertile Japanese free music scene. It was an exciting time in the 70s when a second wave of talented players began to emerge after the red hot 60s sound and brought plenty of fresh thinking to the traditional template. There are just three pieces on this record but they convey the magic of the outfit with the full-range of the keyboard, hitting hard bass keys and dancing rhythms. This reissued version of the record comes with linear notes and rare photographs from actor Alan Cummings.