Sven Kacirek is an explorer. Recent years have seen him scouring the globe, immersing himself in unique musical traditions from regions which have remained remote from western culture. He’s no Paul Simon of the avant-garde: Kacirek’s methodology is altogether more sensitive, and is concerned more with subtly embellishing traditional pieces than incorporating elements of those traditional works within his own. It’s a vital distinction.
Following on from ‘The Kenya Sessions’, Kacirek travelled to Japan to explore Okinawan music. Although Okinawan music has been incorporated within Japanese popular culture, the traditional folk music from which the ‘Okinawa boom’ of the 90s sprang has been largely overlooked.
In this context, ‘Songs from Okinawa’ is intriguing simply by virtue of being what it is: these are traditional songs played in their traditional formats by players who have maintained the tradition.
|
Kacirek’s contribution is to add further dimensions – and in doing so, arguably renders them more immediately accessible to western ears – with the addition of his trademark instruments, marimba, xylophone and piano. There’s a jaunty swing to ‘Hatoma Bushi’, and a magnificent rolling lilt to ‘Urafu‘e yunta’. The simple melody of ‘Nagareru mamia’ is unmistakable catchy, and like many of the other songs on this album, it serves as a reminder that music transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Through ‘Songs from Okinawa’, Kacirek offers a musical education, but also a lovely musical assemblage in its own rights.
Sven Kacirek Online
|
