TZADIK
NEW JAPAN SERIES
updated 10/11/2003

AYUO - Izutsu (Tzadik 7227; USA) Ayuo (whose name translates as Fish-Light) is one of the most enigmatic figures in Japan, as unique a figure as Moondog, Sun Ra or Haino Keiji, with whom he occasionally collaborates. Ayuo's music is a delicate balance of world music traditions, new age, improvisation and classical composition. Drawing upon his love of the Celtic tradition as well as that of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China and his own native Japan, Izutsu has a charming, mystical quality?hypnotic, sensitive and alluring. A one-act opera based on an ancient Noh play and scored for Celtic harp, hurdy gurdy, sitar-guitar and traditional Japanese instruments, this is Ayuo's masterpiece. Timeless music from one of Japan's maverick individualists who has been walking his own path without compromise for over twenty years. Ayuo: celctic harp, hurdy-gurdy, sitar-guitar, dharma-vina, psaltery Sakurai Makiko: vocals, arrangements for ryuteki, hichiriki, sho Yagi Michiyo: loto Sasamoto Takeshi: ryuteki Nakamura Hitomi: hichiriki Tono Tamami: sho Ito Ayumi: chorus Tsukagoshi Hiroki: chorus. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

DEREK [BAILEY] & THE RUINS - Saisoro (Tzadik 7205; USA) Saisoro is a rare meeting of the British guitarist Derek Bailey, one of the world's foremost improvisers, and the amazing Japanese rock band Ruins, who have never before improvised on album. Bailey and Ruins drag each other kicking and screaming into never-before-explored musical territory. One of the most important musical innovators of the '60s. Derek Bailey's original improvisational style and unorthodox guitar technique has had a profound influence on new music, particularly guitarists such as Fred Frith and Henry Kaiser. He has recorded over one hundred albums and was a member of the Music Improvisations Company and the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. As leader/organizer of Company, a revolving door improvisational group, he has played with hundreds of improvisers ranging from Anthony Braxton to Lee Konitz, from Cecil Taylor to Buckethead. Bailey has recorded for his own Incus (UK) label as well as Shanachie, FMP, ECM, RCA, CBS, Island, Deutsche Grammophone, Celluloid and many others. Along with the Boredoms, Naked City and very few others, Ruins are masters of quick-change, stop/start tempos, time-signatures and textures. Hardcore, psych, heavy metal, art rock, funk and lots more - if Ruins have heard it, they are likely to incorporate it into their music. Yoshida cites Magma, This Heat, Debussy and Webern as influences. Masuda's favorites are Fred Frith and James Brown. Derek Bailey: guitar Yoshida Tatsuya: drums, voice Masuda Ryuichi: bass . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

COMPOSTELA - Wadachi (Tzadik 7211; USA) One of the most original groups in modern Japan, Compostela blends folk musics of Eastern Europe with the tradition of Japanese chindon (street musicians who play at grand openings of supermarkets and pachinko parlors, dressed as geishas and samurai). The late saxophonist Shinoda Masami was one of the exciting musicians of recent years, the first to bring klezmer and Eastern European music to the Japanese audience. This special compilation, which includes original compositons as well as tunes by Sidney Bechet, Victor Jara and Gilrod & Sandler, was assembled by Compostela's surviving members to pay tribute to one of Japan's musical luminaries. Shinoda Masami: alto saxophone Nakao Kanji: soprano saxophone, trombone, clarinet, drums Sekijima Takero: tuba with Komazawa Hiroki: pedal steel guitar, mandolin. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

DOUSIDZ - Empties (Tzadik 7228; USA) Powerful and hypnotic, dousidz has created a unique mix combining club music with heavy rock riffs, dub studio techniques, noise and sexy vocals. Based in New York City these three young musicians take the classic format of guitar, bass and drums to a whole new level with the aid of sampling triggers and outboard effects. Influenced by a wide variety of music, Empties, their debut recording is a multifaceted peek into a trippy new world of sound. Yutaka: guitar, voice Sayoko: bass, vocals Buz: drums. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

FRICTION - Zone Tripper (Tzadik 7224; USA) Arriving in New York City early 1977, Reck was a vital member of the New York No Wave Punk scene, playing bass with James Chance and the Contortions and Lydia Lunch. Returning to Tokyo in 1978 he founded Friction, one of the most important and longest running underground bands in Japan. Together over twenty years, Friction has gone through many changes, while still retaining its hard-edged style and unique combination of hard rock, punk and noise. Zone Tripper presents some of their greatest songs and some surprising remixes by Tokyo's greatest DJs. Friction's first release outside of Japan,?Zone Tripper is powerful introduction to one of the most legendary bands in the Tokyo underground. Reck: bass, vocals, guitar Imai Akinobu: guitar Sato Minoru: drums . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

SATOKO FUJII - Kitsune-bi (Tzadik 7220; USA) Jazz, contemporary classical and traditional Japanese folk music blend seamlessly in Satoko Fujii's powerful and unique musical universe. Her first CD for Tzadik presents her in three intimate groupings: in duo with her long time associate Sachi Hayasaka, in trio with the dynamic NY rhythm section of Mark Dresser and Jim Black, and of course her critically-acclaimed solo playing which has recently been compared to the work of Keith Jarrett and Don Pullen. A student of Paul Bley, George Russell and Cecil McBee, Satoko is forging a new music with the help of some of the best experimental musicians in Jazz and Kitsune-Bi is the best introduction to her remarkable sound world. Satoko Fujii: piano Mark Dresser: bass Jim Black: drums Sachi Hayasaka: soprano sax. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

A QUI AVEC GABRIEL - Utsuho (Tzadik 7233; USA) A qui avec Gabriel is a young accordion player steeped in French Romanticism and moody exotica. With the innocence and charm of Erik Satie, her debut recording Utsuho depicts the soul's journey from night until dawn, through day to dusk, visiting along the way dark storms, shining drops of light, cats, mysterious winds and galactic voices. Accompanied at times by violin, clarinet, piano and the eerie guitar and voice of Haino Keiji, Utsuho is a uniquely personal CD of lyrical beauty. A Qui Avec Gabriel: accordian, voice Tanabe Retsuzan: shakuhachi Natsuaki Fumihisa: drums, xylophone Ochi Yasuhiko: bass Fujita Akio: clarinet Kawamura Meiko: piano Haino Keiji: guitar, voice Ota Keisuke: violin, toys, voice. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

GROUND ZERO [OTOMO YOSHIHIDE'S] - Null and Void (Tzadik 7204; USA) Led by turntable wizard/guitarist/composer Otomo Yoshihide, the fast and furious Ground Zero combine creative juxtapositions and oddball sampling with the raw power of a live six-piece band. Null & Void jumpcuts from samples of Chinese flutes and German military rhythms to ridiculous out-of-context media bites to Funhouse style guitar/sax explosions. It's a hysterical and unbelievably wild ride. Null & Void is this excellent Tokyo group's first American release, and features a new Ground Zero line-up, including the amazing young guitarist Uchihashi Kazuhisa, from the band Altered States. The album also features haunting themes from Otomo's soundtrack to the award-winning Chinese film, The Blue Kite (directed by Tian Zhuang Zhuang) Otomo Yoshihide: turntables, sampler, guitar Chino Syuichi: piano, synthesizer Hirose Junji: tenor, soprano saxophones Kimoto Kazuyoshi: bass, violin Uemara Masahiro: drums Uchihashi Kazuhisa: guitar . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

SACHI HAYASAKA - Minga (Tzadik 7244; USA) Sachi Hayasaka is one of Japan?s most creative composer/performers, a bandleader, arranger and soloist of great passion and originality. Her beautiful sound and adventurous projects have made her, along with Kazutoki Umezu, one of the busiest and most respected saxophonists in Tokyo. For this latest project, she augments her regular ensemble with some of Japan?s best world beat musicians and an exciting African drummer Wagane Ndiaye Rose in an eclectic blend of world music and jazz. Minga is Sachi?s most dynamic and satisfying musical statement. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

HOAHIO - Ohayo! Hoahio! (Tzadik 7230; USA) A founding member of the legendary band After Dinner, Haco is one of the most versatile vocalists in the Japanese indies scene. Her newest project, Hoahio, finds her collaborating with two of the most exciting young musicians in Tokyo: koto virtuoso Yagi Michiyo, whose debut solo recording Shizuku was released in 1999 on Tzadik, and Sachiko M, whose work with Otomo Yoshihide has earned her international acclaim. In the tradition of the great Japanese girl groups Saboten, Shonen Knife, Fukuko and Papaya Paranoia, this new trio recording is simultaneously charming, mysterious and dææeæælææiæægææhæætææfææuææl. Haco: vocals, sampler, electric mandolin, synthesizer bass, electronic percussion, morrocon drum, plastic cup, guitar Yagi Michiyo: koto, voice Sachiko M.: sampler, voice, trigger synthesizer, peizo microphone with effects. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

HOAHIO - Peek-Ara-Boo (Tzadik 7245; USA) Hoahio's second CD is even more quirky and varied than the first. Joining koto virtuoso Yagi Michiyo and Kansai vocalist Haco this time is Era Mari, a remarkable young percussionist from Kyoto. Her brilliant vibes and marimba playing gives this release a bit of a Beefheart flavor, but of course there's much more than that. Noisy improv, charming folksongs and romantic moods from this classic trio out of Japan. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 PREORDER

TETSU INOUE - Fragment of Dots (Tzadik 7229; USA) Kyushu native Tetsu Inoue's recent works connect the vivid environments-in-sound of classical ambient with the stark, conspicuous timbral explorations of academic computer music. Tetsu's second release for Tzadik delves deeper into the methods of sonic microscopy that marked his debut, constructing minute, peerless sound-surfaces that break apart and reconstitute in the shifting, *n*th-dimensional space of the ear. While related, Tetsu's intentions differ sharply from those of post-digital composers mining the bitscape for evidence of technology's failure. In the ecstatic bustle of sound particles careening through acoustical space can be heard the distinct inflection of a new means of expression struggling to life. Tetsu Inoue:. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

TETSU INOUE - Psycho-Acoustic (Tzadik 7213; USA) Perhaps the most interesting electronic music since the classic period of Stockhausen and Xenakis. Tetsu Inoue is a composer and sound artist who has worked in a variety of musics - ambient, sound installation, dance music, techno and is a frequent collaborator of Bill Laswell and Haruomi Hosono. This CD features some of the most intricate and fascinating computer generated compositions you've ever heard. Literally thousands of hours went into the creation of these miniature masterpieces charting a world of sound as yet explored. Also included is a powerful duet with brilliant electronic percussionist Ikue Mori. Tetsu Inoue. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

JON - Smoke (Tzadik 7210; USA) Songs about a dog... This bizarre home-recorded gem offers a very private glimpse into the world of a mysterious woman from Japan known simply as Jon. Her strange childlike vocals and pump organ charm and enthrall on their own terms; Jon's fresh approach can't be compared to anything you've ever heard before. Primitive, melodious, captivating and completely unforgettable -- Jon is a true original, destined to become a cult classic. Jon: organ & voice Saito-san: banjo. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

[KATO, HIDEKI/IKUE MORI/FRED FRITH] DEATH AMBIENT - Synaesthesia (Tzadik 7226; USA) Death Ambient's eponymous debut CD was released in 1995 to great critical acclaim and continues to be one of Tzadik's best sellers. Synaesthesia is the long-awaited follow-up and it finds them exploring new territory. Thirteen powerful new compositions blending vivid colors and complicated textures both electric and acoustic. Dark moods, minimal beauty and exquisite noise from three of the world's leading instrumental innovators. Ikue Mori: drum machines Kato Hideki: bass Fred Frith: guitar. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

KATO, HIDEKI/IKUE MORI/FRED FRITH - Death Ambient (Tzadik 7207; USA) Death Ambient teams three of the world's most exciting improvisers in a fascinating album that blurs styles and smashes genres in a dark world of unusual sounds and unorthodox techniques. The talented young bassist Kato Hideki has performed in a variety of rock and improvisational groups - he was an original member of Ground Zero, has recorded with his own group Bass Army on Trigram, and is a frequent collaborator with Tenko, Haino Keiji and Zeena Parkins among others. Ikue Mori has developed a personal and innovative technique of playing samplers triggered by adapted drum machines. A member of the legendary No-Wave trio DNA (with Arto Lindsay), in recent years Mori has recorded with Death Praxis (with Tenko), Vibraslaps (with Catherine Jauniaux), Ursa's Door (with Zeena Parkins) and many others. 1995 has been a busy year for Mori, with the releases of Painted Desert (with Marc Ribot and Robert Quine) on Avant and Hex Kitchen on Tzadik. Fred Frith is one of the most important and influential guitarists in rock and improvisational music of the past three decades. A founder of Henry Cow and the Art Bears in the early '70s, a member of Skeleton Crew, Curlew, Cassiber, Aksak Maboul, Massacre, Material, the Golden Palominos, French Frith Kaiser & Thompson and Naked City, Frith has recorded with the Residents, collaborated with Henry Kaiser, John Zorn, Rene Lussier, Derek Bailey, Ferdinand Richard and Chris Cutler, and recorded numerous solo albums on ESD, SST, Ralph, Rift, Incus, Recommended, Rec Rec, Victo, Crammed Discs and Sub Rosa. Frith was the subject of the acclaimed documentary film, Step Across The Border. Kato Hideki: bass Ikue Mori: drum machines Fred Frith: guitar. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

HAINO KEIJI - Tenshi No Gijinka (Tzadik 7203; USA) Haino Keiji, enigmatic noise troubadour from Tokyo, has exploded on the American/European scene in the past two years, enthralling both experimental enthusiasts and alternative rock fans. He has released a number of albums recently (this is only his 3rd U.S. album release) and toured extensively, including opening for Faust on their 1993 U.S. extravaganza. Haino has performed with artists including John Zorn, Thurston Moore, Gate, and Loren Mazzacane as well as his own group, Fushitsusha. He has recordings on PSF, Avant, Forced Exposure, PNG, and others. Haino has been cited as a favorite guitarist by peers ranging from Thurston Moore to Fred Frith. Tenshi No Gijinka is Haino's most dramatic album, a solo recording of unusual hand held percussion, exotic instruments from all over the world, impassioned vocals and his trademark mind-numbing guitar. It's an exciting development from his past work, making extensive use of overdubbing as a compositional tool. Haino Keiji: vocals and all instruments . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

[HAINO KEIJI/BILL LASWELL/RASHIED ALI] PURPLE TRAP - Decided... Already The Motionless Heart Of Tranquility, Tangling The Prayer Called "I" [2 CD Set] (Tzadik 7221; USA) A new supergroup featuring Haino Keiji, one of the world's most powerful and original guitarist/vocalists, Bill Laswell, contemporary music's most personal and experimental bassists and Rashied Ali, Coltrane alumni and godfather of free jazz drumming. Haino is pulled kicking and literally screaming to new heights of inspiration by the most dynamic rhythm section he has ever worked with. Passionate, ear wrenching and exhilaratingly sounds from three of today's most creative and uncompromising musical masters. Haino Keiji: guitar, vocal Bill Laswell: bass Rashied Ali: drums . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $20.00 STOCK

[MAKIGAMI KOICHI] HIKASHU - Hikashu History (Tzadik 7235; USA) Makigami Koichi is one of Japan's most popular underground performers and Hikashu History follows the journeys of his remarkable rock/pop band Hikashu through over twenty-five years of musical mayhem. From techno (before the Yellow Magic Orchestra) to noise/sampler improvisation (before Ground Zero) to jazz, folk and beyond?all with a Japanese twist. Hikashu has been anticipating trends and charting new paths in Japanese music for decades. Hikashu History documents their musical explorations through private tapes, rare demos and exciting live recordings. A fascinating view of one band's visionary directions. Featuring Makigami Koichi, Otomo Yoshihide, Lauren Newton, Inoue Makoto, Torsten Rasch and many others. Makigami Koichi: lead vocals, bass, cornet, toys Mitama Masamichi: guitars, chorus Inoue Makoto: mellotron, synthesizers, chorus Yamashita Yasushi: rhythm box, synthesizers, chorus Tobe Satoshi: alto sax, chorus Sensui Toshiro: drums Sakaide Masami: bass Nomoto Kazuhiro: sax, bassclarinet Taniguchi Masaru: drums Torsten Rasch: samplers Tsuno Ken: drums Otomo Yoshihide: turn tables . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MAKIGAMI KOICHI - Electric Eel (Tzadik 7216; USA) An entire CD of compositions and improvisations on jaw harps! Creative and versatile, Makigami's first CD of solo voice improvisations was a favorite of vocalists from Mike Patton to Pavarotti. On Electric Eel he takes an unexpected turn. While studying Mongolian throat singing with masters in Tuva, Makigami became acquainted with the simple folk instrument the jaw harp. Fascination turning to obsession, he has now developed an incredible array of extended techniques on this ancient instrument, and in collaboration with Swiss "Maul-Trommel" virtuoso Anton Bruhin (who has released several CDs of traditional European music for jaw harp), they have created a CD of sounds you've never heard before. In addition to over 50 different varieties from soprano to contrabasso, this astounding recording also features the premiere of Anton Bruhin's electric jaw harp and water jaw harp. Makigami Koichi: voice, dromb*, electric trampi with Unagi system, woodtrumpet Anton Bruhin: electric trampi with Unagi system, dromb with guest Tadagawa Leo: dromb*, ilimba (* Hungarian Jaw Harp made by Zoltan Szilagyi). NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MAKIGAMI KOICHI - Kuchinoha (Tzadik 7208; USA) Makigami Koichi is the leader of one of Japan's longest running underground bands, Hikashu, which has evolved from an electronic pop band to embrace world music, improvisation, noise and other styles. Makigami has recorded two previous albums on his own, including the star-studded, Zorn-produced Koroshi No Blues, a much sought-after import on Toshiba-EMI Japan. He has performed with Derek Bailey and Yamatsuka Eye, and is also the organizer of the monthly Tokyo performance of John Zorn's improvisational game piece, Cobra. An accomplished film and stage actor, Makigami is an incredible vocalist and performer, employing creative and versatile techniques blending Tuuvan throat-singing (which he studied in Mongolia) and Japanese traditions with rock and avant garde. Kuchinoha, his first album for solo voice, contains nine improvisations of vocal acrobatics. No effects, no overdubs, no edits - it's creative, humorous and utterly delightful. Performed by Makigami Koichi - no effects, no over dubs, no effects. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

LIMITED EXPRESS (HAS GONE?) - Feeds You! (Tzadik 7241; USA) Another eclectic rock/pop band out of the infamous Kansai scene that produced the Boredoms, Omoide Hatoba and more. This exciting young three piece unit based in Kyoto presents their debut recording after years of playing in just about every small club from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Visceral power pieces offset with charming female vocals, pointillism and dub effects. Striking originality and a childlike curiosity point this band towards a new Kyoto rock sound. Iida Jinichiro: guitar, vocals Yukari: bass, voice Narazaki Koji: drums, chorus. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MELT BANANA - MxBx 1998 / 13,000 miles at light velocity (Tzadik 7219; USA) Melt banana is the defining band of New Japanese Hardcore and it is taking America by storm. Their songs combine compositional complexity and improvisational noise with the power of a locomotive going full blast through a brick wall. Recorded during their tour of the States in 1998, MxBx 1998 / 13,000 Miles At Light Velocity captures this band in a blazing fury that will leave you breathless. An astonishing performance by one of Japan's most innovative, personal and influential independent bands. Including several songs not available anywhere else, and a brilliantly twisted cover version of Brian Wilson's classic "Surfin' USA". Yasuko: vocal Agata: guitar Rika Mm': bass Oshima: drums . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MERZBOW - 1930 (Tzadik 7214; USA) The Japanese Noise scene has received much attention in the past several years, and countless bands have flooded the market with CDs filled with horrible sounds and indiscriminate noise. "Merzbow" is the one and only original Japanese noise band, begun by Masami Akita over 20 years ago and he is still the best of them all. This special release for the Tzadik label is one of his most important compositional creations „ an adventurous travelogue into his world of analog and digital noises, taking unexpected twists and turns that will surprise even hardcore Merzbow fans. Merzbow is the undisputed king of the Japanese noise scene and 1930 is one of his very finest releases. Akita Masami . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

YAGI MICHIYO - Shizuku (Tzadik 7218; USA) One of the most versatile masters of the koto, Michiyo Yagi has performed in rock bands, jazz groups, movie soundtracks, classical ensembles, noise improvisations and of course Japanese traditional and folk groups. Here, using both orthodox and unorthodox techniques, she takes the koto to an exciting new world of her own invention incorporating influences from traditional Japanese and Korean music as well as the American maverick tradition of Partch, Cage, Nancarrow and Terry Riley. Astounding new music for an ancient instrument by one of the world's most adventurous and accomplished contemporary koto players. Yagi Michiyo: koto. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MONO - Under the Pipal Tree (Tzadik 7237; USA) Mono is a young instrumental band from Tokyo combining elements of minimalism, psychedelia and trance rock to create a distinctive and powerful new sound via John Fahey, Sonic Youth and the Grateful Dead. Austere and intense?their music is simple, beautiful and incredibly direct. Sheets of sound, lyricism, wailing guitars and pounding rhythms evolve slowly, morphing into a ritual of noise and ecstasy. A remarkable debut from this exciting new Japanese band. Goto Takaakira: guitar Tamaki: bass Takada Yasunori: drums Yoda: guitar Shika Udai: cello. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

IKUE MORI - Hex Hitchen (Tzadik 7201; USA) One of New York's most exciting improvisers and composers, Ikue Mori has developed a personal and innovative technique of playing samplers triggered by adapted drum machines. Hex Kitchen, which includes the soundtrack to Abigail Child's 8 Million Ways To Die, features both Mori solos and performances with an all-star line-up of creative musicians. Playing with musicians such as Fred Frith, John Zorn, Zeena Parkins and Jim Staley, Ikue Mori has proven herself as one of the world's most inventive and unpredictable avant-garde improvisers. Her most recent albums are Painted Desert (on Avant) with guitarists Marc Ribot and Robert Quine, Death Praxis (on Nonsequitor) with vocalist Tenko, and Vibraslaps (Rec Rec) with singer Catherine Jauniaux. She has also recorded as a member of the groups Fukuko, Tohban Djan, and The Worlds Of Love (with David Garland and Cinnie Cole). Mori was a member of the legendary late '70s "No Wave" group DNA (with Arto Lindsay) who can be heard on albums on Avant and American Clave, and on the Brian Eno-produced No New York compilation on Antilles. Ikue Mori: drum machines, sampler David Watson: bagpipes, guitar Hideki Kato: bass Catherine Jauniaux: vocal Zeena Parkins: electric harp, keyboard, accordion John Zorn: clarinet Hahn Rowe: guitar Jim Staley: trombone. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MOTOR HUMMING - Musical Aluminum (Tzadik 7225; USA) An absolutely raging new instrumental trio from the Kansai area of Japan, home to the Boredoms, Omoide Hatoba, Haco and more. Combining hardcore punk, improvisation, metal, funk and fusion in a seamless and dynamic new music, Motor Humming is at the forefront of instrumental experimental rock and one of the most original bands in Japan. Musical Aluminum (a light metal) is their first CD, and it features an incredible range of pieces in a program you will find exciting, challenging and fun. Along with Melt Banana, Motor Humming is pointing the way to a whole new Japanese rock scene, inspired by the Ruins, the Boredoms, Massacre, Naked City and Japanese Psychedelia. Hioki Shimpei: guitar, casiotone Morimura Hiroshi: drums, casiotone Yamanaka Atsushi: bass, sampler . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

ROVO - Tonic 2001 [2 CD Set] (Tzadik 7239; USA) Some of the very best musicians in Japan, veterans of bands such as the Boredoms, Bondage Fruits, Bazooka Joe, Dub Sub, Demi Semi Quaver and Omoide Hatoba come together in Rovo, a virtuosic trance-rock group based in Tokyo. This dynamic two CD set collects the best of their legendary two night run at New York City's premiere new music club Tonic. Beautifully recorded and impeccably mixed by Rovo mastermind Katsui Yuji in Japan, Tonic 2001 captures the firey brilliance of this dazzling band like no studio recording ever could. Mixdown ("mix translations") of these live tapes was done by Bill Laswell! Ecstatic music for listeners and dancers alike. Okabe Yoichi: drums, djambe Katsui Yuji: violin Nakanishi Koji: sh-101, juno 106 Harada Jin, bass, harmonica Masuko Tatsuki: sh-101, dx-7 Yamamoto Seiichi: guitar Yoshigaki Yasuhiro: drums, djambe. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $20.00 STOCK

KOREKYOJIN [RUINS] - Korekyojin (Tzadik 7223; USA) Word-of-mouth has it that Ruins mastermind Yoshida Tatsuya's newest band is his greatest yet. Featuring Japan's latest guitar sensation Kido Natsuki, Korekyojin is a burning instrumental trio mixing the raw power of rock, the wild edge of improvisation, and the complex stop-on-a-dime compositional structures that Yoshida and very few others have made famous. Yoshida Tatsuya: drums Nansuno Mitsuro: bass Kido Natsuki: guitar. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

RUINS - Hyderomastgroningem (Tzadik 7202; USA) Along with the Boredoms, Naked City and very few others, this amazing drums/bass duo are masters of quick-change, stop/start tempos, time-signatures and textures. Ruins' explosive and intricately composed tunes are sung in a peculiar language of their own invention. Hardcore, art rock, psych, heavy metal, funk and lots more - if Ruins have heard it, they are likely to incorporate it into their music. Yoshida cites Magma, This Heat, Debussy and Webern as influences. Masuda's favorites are James Brown and Fred Frith. Ruins have toured the U.S. several times and have previous domestic releases on Shimmy Disc, Public Bath, Charnel House and NG, including albums produced by John Zorn and Steve Albini. Their most recent release, Ruins-Hatoba, is a collaboration with the group Omoide Hatoba, led by Boredoms guitarist Yamamoto. Tatsuya Yoshida: drums, percussion, vocals Ryuichi Masuda: bass, vocals, radio. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

RUINS - Live at Kichijouji Mandala II (Tzadik 7234; USA) A blistering live performance at one of Tokyo's longest running avant garde venues by one of Tokyo's longest running avant garde bands. A breathtaking performance of over twenty stop-on-a-dime Ruins classics, Mandala 2000 captures the raw power and visceral energy of this dynamic band better than any studio recording ever could. Also included is twenty minutes of encores featuring the versatile and dynamic violinist Katsui Yuji. Intense, powerful and frighteningly complex sonic masterpieces by two performers who make bass and drums sound like an orchestra of synchronized jet engines. Yoshida Tatsuya: drums, vocal Sasaki Hisashi: bass, vocal . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

RUINS - Symphonica (Tzadik 7215; USA) For more than a decade, the Ruins have been one of the most consistently exciting groups out of the Japanese underground. Known worldwide for their complex multi-layered compositions and dynamic live performances, the Ruins' ground-breaking music starts and stops on a dime, with the precision of a watch and the power of a sledgehammer. Symphonica is a new direction for this innovative band, which until now has worked solely as a duo. Augmenting their core unit of drums and bass with two female vocalists and a keyboard player of astonishing virtuosity, these brilliant orchestral arrangements of new compositions and Ruins classics display aspects of their music that have been waiting to emerge for years. Yoshida Tatsuya: drums, voice Sasaki Hisashi: bass Oguchi Kenichi: keyboards Emi Eleonora: vocal Kubota Aki: vocal. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

ZUBI ZUVA [RUINS] - Jehovah (Tzadik 7209; USA) The past few years have seen the underground transformed by the Japanese Invasion. Ruins and compatriots the Boredoms, Haino Keiji, and Ground Zero are continually outdoing each other with each new album. While Ruins fans have come to expect the unexpected, this latest curveball from Ruins mastermind Yoshida Tatsuya is a work of insane genius. Zubi Zuva is a freewheeling acappella vocal trio, running the gamut from Gregorian Chant and Buddhist Shomyo to Doo-wop, hardcore and looney tunes; of coourse, as usual, all in a language of Yoshida's invention. Essential listening for those interested in the outer limits of wierdness. Yoshida Tatsuya: alto Shibasaki Yukifumi: tenor Takahashi Hideki: bass . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

YAMAMOTO SEIICHI - Nu Frequency (Tzadik 7243; USA) A driving force at the heart of the much acclaimed Kansai rock scene since the late 1980s, Yamamoto?s piercing guitar has energized some of Japan?s finest bands. From the spiritual madness of the Boredoms, the psychedelic trance rock of Rovo to the quirky intensity of his own Omoide Hatoba, Yamamoto?s tastes and talents are as eclectic as the bands he?s played with. A new solo project from this elusive music master is truly a cause for celebration, and this CD is his best yet. NEW JAPAN SERIES Since the late '80's, Yamamoto has played brilliant and brutal noise/prog/psych lead guitar for the sensational and crazed Boredoms, as well as his own twisted band - Omoide Hatoba and more recently with the great trance/psych/rock unit - Rovo! 'Nu Frequency' is his rare new solo/duo effort with Yamamoto on guitar, bass synth and percussion and Ms. China on drums/percussion on three tracks. This is a fine blend of ambient, space-rock, free-floating, instrumental bliss. Dreamy drones and hypnotic noodling bathe our minds in a wash of groovy ghosts. Ancient synth squiggles, eerie blips, laid back Dead-like space music and even some soothing funky jazz flows like liquid herbal smoke and makes us feel free, relaxed and floating on clouds of joy. This what us old hippies used to refer to as head music, so light up that joint and dream awayƒ CD $14.00 STOCK

AIKO SHIMADA - Blue Marble (Tzadik 7231; USA) Produced and arranged by enigmatic mystical traveller Eyvind Kang, Blue Marble is a CD of surreal folk songs by singer/songwriter Aiko Shimada. Born in Japan and now based in Seattle, Aiko's music is fresh, original and heartfelt. For this latest release, Eyvind has brought in an unusual team of proto-hippies and music freaks keying off of Aiko's moody melodies and lyrics. From noise to string orchestra, drum machine to toy piano, Blue Marble is an unforgettable emotional ride through Aiko's exotic music forest. Special guest appearance by Bill Frisell. Aiko Shimada: electric guitar, vocals Eyvind Kang: violin, viola, fretless bass, processed violins, ashiko drum, tom-tom, recorders, mint-finger cymbals Evan Schiller: drum loops, hand claps, drums, bell samples Paul Moore: key bass, toy piano, arp synth, nord bass, fender rhodes, nord lead Tucker Martine: electronic shekere, drum machine, bass drum Bill Frisell: electric guitar, backwards guitar loops Mark Collins: double bass Brent Arnold: cello Mark France: electric guitar Jason Webley: accordian Guy Davis: guchung Troy Swanson: talkbox hammond DJ Olive: turntable . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

SYZYGYS - Complete Studio Recordings (Tzadik 7240; USA) The kind of quirky lunacy only possible in Japan, Syzygys is a remarkable instrumental duo that performs infectiously original pop songs on Harry Partch's 43 note to the octave microtonal organ. With an uncanny ear and startling creativity?this music is as hilarious as it is delightful. Out of print for years, Tzadik now presents the complete studio recordings of this amazing band on one CD. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD 14.00 STOCK

SYZYGYS - Eyes on Green / Syzygys Live at Tokyo Inkstick 1988 (Tzadik 7236; USA) With the cute innocence of Shonen Knife and the 43-tone organ of Harry Partch, Syzygys have been fashioning twisted and catchy pop songs since 1985. These performances capture the band live in 1988 and is so beautifully recorded it could have been a studio date. Accompanying the delightful duo is legendary guitarist Imahori Tsuneo playing everything from Bill Frisell to Arto Lindsay's skronk and bassist Shiina Tatsuto. Absolutely charming: somewhere Harry Partch is smiling. Microtonal pop for the 21st Century. Shimizu Hitomi: 43-tone organ, vocal Nishida Hiromi: violin, keyboard, vocal Imahori Tsuneo: guitar Shiina Tatsuto: bass . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

[TENKO & IKUE MORI] DEATH PRAXIS - Death Praxis: Mystery (Tzadik 7217; USA) For over twenty years, Ikue Mori and Tenko have been on the forefront of new music, both here and in Japan. Veterans of countless classic bands from DNA to Dragon Blue, and collaborations with just about every musicians in the new music underground, from Kim Gordon and Arto Lindsay to Bill Laswell, Derek Bailey, the Boredoms, Haino Keiji and Fred Frith. Their newest collaboration is a tribute to the world's greatest writers of suspense stories. Mystery brings these two masters of musical suspense together with many special guests to create a new collection of sound compositions for voice and modern ensembles. Also included as bonus tracks (#'s 13-22): their first duo recording from 1990, Death Praxis, unavailable for years. Tenko: vocal Ikue Mori: drum machines, sampler Eyvind Kang: violin Anthony Coleman: organ Erik Friedlander: cello . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

ADACHI TOMOMI ROYAL CHORUS - Yo (Tzadik 7242; USA) Adachi are a ridiculously cool experimental vocal ensemble from Tokyo, whose diverse influences include Fluxus artists, punk bands, modern classical and cartoon music(s). Adachi 's Royal Chorus sound like an entire gaggle of vocal acrobats. Complex, tight and multi-layered vocal insanity it what they are all about, sometimes repeating phrases, twisting and melting them into a variety of weird shapes and sounds. At the end of the third side of the Mother's debut classic "Freak Out" is a hilarious accapella piece called "It Can't Happen Here" which sounds like an inspiration to much of the wackiness found on this unknown treasure. With eight singers, ATRC consistently throw their layers of vocal parts all over with different sub-groups accentuating different parts and stretching out notes or sounds with odd harmonies and combinations of varied vocal effects. From throat singing to child-like silliness to unexpected sounds too difficult to describe. A complete blast throughout. Adachi Tomomi: vocals Egawa Risa: vocals Fukunaga Ayako: vocals Iwata Chikako: vocals Unami Taku: vocals Hirata: vocals NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

YASUNAO TONE - Solo for Wounded CD (Tzadik 7212; USA) A founding member of the Fluxus Movement with Takehisa Kosugi, Yoko Ono and George Maciunas, Yasunao Tone has been doing experimental sound pieces since the early 1960's. For the past ten years much of his work has centered on extending the possibilities of CDs as a performance medium. With this new CD, Tone has created a new noise music for the 21st century: a symphony of digital errors that reaches a new extreme in intensity and musical energy.. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

OTOMO YOSHIHIDE'S NEW JAZZ ENSEMBLE - Dreams (Tzadik 7238; USA) The first release outside of Japan featuring two of Japan's quirkiest underground pop stars. From the high fragile sonorities of Togawa Jun to the velvet, sultry tones of Phew, Dreams runs the gamut from moody love songs, driving groove to screaming noise. Otomo's exciting New Jazz Ensemble and creative arrangements perfectly set up the diverse vocal stylings of these two legendary divas out of the Tokyo indies scene. Otomo Yoshihide Togawa Jun Phew Yoshigaki Yasuhiro Tsugami Kenta Kikuchi Naruyoshi Masuko Tatsuki Mizutani Hiroaki Ando Hiroshi Sachiko M . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

OTOMO YOSHIHIDE'S NEW JAZZ QUINTET - Flutter (Tzadik 7232; USA) Japanese Free Jazz has a history that goes back to the '60s, and Otomo Yoshihide's latest project brings together some of the best Free Jazz players in Japan with noise musicians Sachiko M and the legendary Akita Masami of Merzbow. Beautiful arrangements, exciting solos and a kickass rhythm section make Flutter one of Otomo's most powerful and unusual musical statements. Features three bizarre covers of tunes by Eric Dolphy and Gerry Mulligan and four dynamic originals. Sine waves, drones, jazz and noise from one of Japan's most ubiquitous experimental musicians. Otomo Yoshihide: electric guitar, electronics, sho samples Tsugami Kenta: alto saxophone Kikuchi Naruyoshi: tenor saxophone Mizutami Hiroaki: bass Yoshigaki Yasuhiro: drums, trumpet special guests Sachiko M: sine waves (tracks 1,2,5) Akita Masami: EMS synthesizer (track 3). NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

MICROCOSMOS [OTOMO YOSHIHIDE & TENKO] - Pilgrimage (Tzadik 7222; USA) Otomo Yoshihide (turntables) and Tenko (vocals) are two of the most internationally acclaimed performers to emerge from the Tokyo underground, and have worked with some of the best musicians from around the world. Collaborating together in bands, improvisational groupings and special projects for over ten years, this is their first duo release and is the result of over two years of recording. A fascinating meeting of two of Japan's most original musical masters. Otomo Yoshihide: turntables Tenko: vocals. NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK

DEBOKOKO HAJIME [JOHN ZORN] & YAMANTAKA EYE - Nani Nani (Tzadik 7206; USA) John Zorn and Yamantaka Eye's (Boredoms) long-awaited duo project. A culmination of eight years of empathy and friendship, this collaborative studio recording is yet another unusual direction in music from these two masters of the unexpected. The finest in ambient screams, hardcore surf, erotic Indian psychedelic, moronic samples, industrial monster movies and karaoke vomit. Yamatsuka Eye: vocal, drums, toys Dekoboko Hajime [John Zorn]: sax, harmonica, guitar, sitar, sampler . NEW JAPAN SERIES CD $14.00 STOCK