I guess my interest in the far east began in middle school while watching Kung Fu on TV. I wasn’t down for monk training or dragon shaped scars caused by intense heat but I did like the serenity of the gardens and the music. I’m sure that these factors are what led me to gamble on The Source by Osamu Kitajima.
I had never heard of him and to honest, even to this minute I didn’t know if he was not a she. I guess I just assumed. Names like Osamu come with a degree of gender ambiguity. So as I rummaged through the New Age section, I found The Source and it looked like it would be a blend of traditional eastern music and New Age ambience. I was not disappointed.
The album contains just three rather lengthy tracks. For the most part, they are slow, tranquil soul quieting pieces that conjure those same stone gardens with little bridges over still reflecting pools filled with coy. Paper lanterns and bonsai trim the borders of the gently curving path that calls you ahead.
This album prompted a few follow up purchases as it ignited my interest in traditional music from the ancient world. I bought a stack of CD’s that featured ancient music from China, Persia, India and even ritual music from Tanzania. Apart from the Tanzanian ritual music which is almost completely percussion, I’ve really enjoyed them all. I haven’t gone out and picked up a whole bunch more but that is more a function of economics than anything else. I enjoy it but I cannot justify getting a bunch more at the moment.
Osamu Kitajima – Heavensent
Osamu Kitajima – Thru Cosmic Doors
Of course I couldn’t find samples of the actual CD’s I have so I’m including the following because it demonstrates the flavor very well.