Ryuichi Sakamoto was on born January 17, 1952. “Ricky” is a Japanese musician, activist, composer, record producer, writer, singer, pianist, and actor based in Tokyo and New York. He began his career in 1978 as a member of the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), In 1980, Sakamoto released the single War Head” an experimental synthpop and electro record collaboration with David Sylvian, when he co-wrote and performed on the Japan track Taking Islands In Africa. In 1982, Sakamoto worked on another collaboration with Sylvian, a majestic single entitled Bamboo Houses/Bamboo Music. In 1989 Ricky released Beauty, drawing from Okinawan influences and with the help of Youssor NDour from Senegal, fretless bassist Pino Palladino, Sly Dunbar and Arto Lindsay, Beauty is an eclectic blend of world music and given the differences of each song is surprisingly cohesive. It is as though Sakamoto attempts to showcase his eclecticism. From the brooding Rose and Diabaram, to a remake of We Love you and the odd Okinawan folk song (Asadoya Yunta), this collection will pretty much attempt anything. The first two tracks (Tokyo Calling and You Do Me), are reminiscent of his earlier album, Neo Geo. The background cast of Okinawan singers and the seemingly random bluesy vocal inflections from NDour is classic Sakamoto in composition, exquisite pop art. The atmospheric Rose is perhaps the best track on the album with Palladinos legato fretless lines holding the piece together, despite Sakamotos average vocal attempts. Diabaram is NDour at his emotionally charged best. https://youtube/watch?v=_TR33leAoBk
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:32:12 +0000