"Breath-Taking is the result of one of Akio Suzuki's rare visits to England. Suzuki's music proceeds from meditation and transforms quotidian objects (a stone flute, small stones, a "silent toy") into fragile means of communication. David Toop makes a very compatible sound-mate. Here he uses an assortment of flutes and whistles, along with a whistling pot and "organic materials" (a vague enough description to allow the listener to imagine at will). Upon first listen, one may think of two serious men making childlike music, but the level of contemplation found in this single, 37-minute piece dispels this first impression. The performance is not particularly striking, even from the point of view of such a quiet form of improvisation, but it is obvious that the music doesn't intend to strike or compel. It is born out of such simplicity that it simply exists -- it is there, discreetly inhabiting your listening space, and its sole presence is a marvel. One finds an interesting level of interaction between the artists and inventive, creative sound-making at play."
(François Couture, All Music Guide)
credits
released October 10, 2020
Akio Suzuki : kikkukikiriki, stone flute, small stones, pan pipe, ireba, silent toy
David Toop : flutes, bone whistle, dog whistles, stones, whistling pot, organic materials, feedback device
Recorded at Sound 323, London on March 15, 2003 by Akinori Yamasaki.
All money from downloads is passed on to the principal musician(s) on the track concerned. These are strange and hard times for musicians. Confront Recordings
Richard created something very new here: this music is futuristic & synth-like, but has a warmth, movement & lightness that's still ethereal. I never would guess it was him, but quite like it: change & artist growth is a good thing! Those fans of his more typical earthly bowed scraping intensity, piano chord punctuations and songs of place, do not be afraid of the changed sound palette here. I like this visit to Vega and can't wait to hear more of this direction if he choses to take us there. Joe Borreson
Hushed dreampop and synthpop songs on the latest from Vanessa Garcia-Cuevas, with gentle melodies floating over soft keys. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 13, 2021