8022901010
LP record: Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land “Radio Yugawara” (Japan-exclusive Red Vinyl)
Sound Transmitted from Yugawara that Harmonizes with the Surrounding Environment and Each Other
Paspartoo Duo, formed by Nicoletta Favari (Italy) and Christopher Salvito (Italy/USA), has been traveling the world since 2015, releasing creative music they call "slow music." From being guests at renowned artist residencies to live performances in cultural spaces, they have been active without being categorized. Their musical pilgrimage, without a fixed abode, first brought them to Japan in 2019. At that time, they became deeply immersed in environmental music, and upon their return to Japan in 2023, they re-encountered the music of Inoyamaland, formed by Makoto Inoue and Yasushi Yamashita. Inoyamaland is a duo that has garnered high praise worldwide, including the album "Danzindan-Pojidon" (1983), produced by Haruomi Hosono, and the reissue of the Grammy-nominated compilation album "KANKYO ONGAKU" (Light in The Attic Records). Nicoletta successfully contacted Inoyamaland, and their enthusiasm was met, leading to impromptu sessions for this work.
"Deeply considering the meaning of being a duo and the meaning of people connecting through music."
This work, "Radio Yugawara," was recorded in 2023 in Makoto Inoue's hometown of Yugawara. It took place in the hall of his family home, which operates a kindergarten. When Paspartoo Duo arrived, a circle of four tables was prepared in the hall. Neatly arranged on the tables were children's instruments such as handbells, glockenspiels, xylophones, recorders, melodicas, and harmonicas. Around the tables were shelves from which various bells and wind chimes hung, and within this environment, each performer set up their electronic instruments. The recording time was divided into three sessions, producing over three hours of audio: (1) "electronic instruments only," "acoustic only," or "a mix of both," (2) "four types of duets" by rotating members of "each other's duo," and (3) "free play without constraints." The opening track, "Strange Clouds," evokes a lush landscape with sounds created using a synthesizer bed and a Chromaplane (a handmade analog instrument designed by Paspartoo Duo featuring a touchless interface and infinite organic sounds), forming the foundation for the album's 11 tracks. In "Abstract Pets," percussive pulses become the heart of the work, welcoming earthy sounds and shimmering glockenspiels and wind chimes.
"Simoom" and "Tangerine Fields" feature swirling synth lines and subliminal beats that shift like changing weather, while the idyllic "Observatory" and "Mosaic" unfold sounds that illuminate the deep ocean. "Xiloteca," imbued with an otherworldly atmosphere, leads into the comforting lullaby of "Solivago" with its hypnotic arpeggio synth lines playing in a playful ambiance. The closing track, "Axolotl Dreams," with its elegant, idyllic chord strokes and uplifting synths, reminds listeners of serendipitous encounters.
"Radio Yugawara" is a unique, one-time creation emanating from a specific place and time. The approach of each duo can be described as a "harmony" with each other, and a harmony with themselves and the nature surrounding Yugawara. Like waves traveling to another world, sounds travel through the universe and, if not sought out, will be lost forever. By finding an affinity of harmony within the instruments and a spiritual affinity within the interwoven performances, the core of this work can be said to be an interpretation of feelings and intimate human relationships, representing the essence of discovery.
"This album is something that emanates from a place, and at the same time, it is something that harmonizes with the surrounding environment and with each other. Music in such ephemeral moments is not so much an active creation as it is a discovery of something that is already there."
Limited Transparent Red Vinyl
Tracklist:
A1. Strange Clouds
A2. Abstract Pets
A3. Simoom
A4. Tangerine Fields
A5. Observatory
B1. Mosaic
B2. King in a Nutshell
B3. Xiloteca
B4. Solivago
B5. Berceuse
B6. Axolotl Dreams
B7 > end. (Locked Groove)
【Label】AMIP-0363LP
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