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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Natsuki Tamura Koki Solo Review by Gary Hill This is an unusual and unique release. It's very freeform. It's all done by one musician. However, there are a number of different instruments at play from track to track. While this is not precisely progressive rock, it's not far removed from Rock in Opposition, therefore it definitely fits under prog to me. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021 Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review

Sekirei A screaming horn brings this into being. The number becomes an exploration of that instrument and its capabilities.

Karugamo A big change from the trumpet sound of the opener, this piece is strictly percussive with quite a bit of it of the more tuned variety. There is some singing further down the road.

Kawau Horn is again the instrument of choice on this piece. This is more purely melodic and restrained than the opener was, though.

Bora This is a rather freeform piano exploration. It has sort of a space meets classical vibe to it. Strange vocals, like we heard on "Karugamo" come in later along this road.

Sagi As odd as the previous pieces have been, this raises the "strange bar." Wind sounds, strange effects like textures and more create something that feels a bit jarring and other-worldly.

Kamome Here we have another strange excursion made up of voice and percussion. It's freeform and weird, but also oddly compelling.

Chidori I really dig the cool, almost bluesy groove to this horn based number. The piece has such great melodies. It is probably my favorite piece of music here.

Isoshigi The closer is possibly the strangest piece here. It's strictly piano and voice, and that voice sounds like someone going through something traumatic.

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