Satoshi Ashikawa: Still Way (Wave Notation 2) Vinyl LP

“Like the moment of stillness, after the wind passes through the garden, when the rain stops for a brief second…”Satoshi Ashikawa’sminimal ambient masterpiece gets a long-overduereissue, courtesy of WRWTFWW. Released on Ashikawa’s ownSound Processimprint in 1982, Still Way would be the second entry in the ground breakingWave Notation series, following Hiroshi Yoshimura’s equally important work of environmental music,Music For Nine Postcards. Along with his wife Masami on flute, Midori Takada on vibraphone, Yuko Utsumi on harp, and Tomoko Sono on piano, Satoshi Ashikawasought to create “a musical landscape or a sound object — not something that would stimulate listeners but music that should drift like smoke and become part of the environment.” The result speaks for itself- a meditative and calmingexperience draped in subtle sophistication and emotional elegance.With Japanese ambient music getting more attention than ever these days (thank you Youtube algorithm and Through The Looking Glass), it comes as no surprise thatStill Wayhasfound its way outof obscurityto inspire a wholenew generation of listeners. This official 2019 reissueincludes full liner notes from Satoshi Ashikawa himself, along with contemporary Midori Takada, and Irish composer Gareth Quinn Redmond. Highly Recommended.

• liner notes by Midori Takada, Satoshi Ashikawa, and Gareth Quinn Redmond
• 350gsmjacket w/ UV high gloss varnish
• music label: WRWTFWW 2019

reviewed byOtakun10/2019