KENSO II

A Japanese band of classically trained musicians performing very tightly a series of intricate compositions with a sound palette and level of competence quite reminiscent of Dutch band FOCUS and, at times, Brand X.

1. "Sora Ni Hikaru (Shining In The Sky)" (6:22) great uptempo jazzy interplay among half a dozen instruments for the first two minutes, then a shift into more gentle CAMEL-like territory with flute and drum play being quite prominent. Back and forth, A-B-A-C-A-B arrangement with skilled electric guitar solo (on two or more tracks) in the C part. (9/10)

2. "Anesthesia Part 1" (2:05) plugged in acoustic guitar opens before spoken background vocals and odd synthesizer-generated noises join in (mostly in the background--like kalimba [or is it real?]). (4.5/5)

3. "Anesthesia Part 2" (4:21) a continuation of motif from Part 1 using clavichord and full electric jazz complement (including accordion). Flute, electric guitars and bass (!) hold the melody lines (mostly). Reminds me of something FOCUS would do. Nice composition. (9/10)

4. "Hyoto (Frozen Island)" (6:13) piano opening establishing Japanese melody through jazzy chord play. This is then enhanced and carried forward by synth wind and flute. Quite reminiscent of one of the early melodies Ryuichi Sakamoto explored in his soundtrack music for Merry Christmas, Mister Lawrence. Reminds me, again, of something Thijs van Leer might have composed for his FOCUS contingent. (8.75/10)

5. "Brand Shikou (Brand IX)" (4:34) eventually gels in a way that sounds and feels quite a bit like Brand X--the drums aren't quite as smooth and flashy and the circus calliope-like sound chosen to MIDI with the lead synth are not quite up to the level of the Brits. Odd to have the effected male chant voices be in spoken Japanese. Great bass play. (8.75/10)

6. "Harukanaru Chi E (Toward The Land Beyond)" (3:55) this one feels like a JACO PASTORIUS imitation--but which incarnation? which support musicians? Then it kind of turns kind of BRAND X meets DAVE STEWART in the second and third minutes. Nice guitar synth interplay in the final minute. (8.75/10)

7. "Naibu E No Tsukikage (Moon Casting Shadows Within)" (3:45) "distant" female vocalise and mushy synth chord play (à la PATRICK MORAZ in Story of i and ANT PHILLIPS in 1984) makes for an interesting, unusual, and, ultimately, beautiful musical expression. (9/10)

8. "Sayonara Progressive (Arrivederci: Goodbye Prog)" (7:06) Full on jazz-rock fusion. Drums are a tad bit on the disco side while complex whole band weave flows over and around them. Reminds me of BRUFORD/NATIONAL HEALTH. (13.5/15)

Total time 38:21

Very skilled mastery displayed by all instrumentalists though flute and drums tend to stand out most.

B+/4.5 stars; a near-masterpiece of progressive rock music in the Jazz-Rock Fusion vein.