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Ryuichi Sakamato is music to my ears By STAN STALNAKER June 26, 2000 Web posted at 2:30 a.m. Hong Kong time, 2:30 p.m. EDT These days it's standard for artists to talk about "crossing boundaries" -- and many pride themselves on drawing from wide-ranging influences. But few are truly able to break out of standard categories to create something altogether new. As entertaining as they are, somehow I don't think Leon Lai, Britney Spears, Aqua, or even Pavarotti are really setting new standards in their fields, be they pop, classical, techno or country.
Sakamoto has since then been updating his repertoire, resulting in the 1998-9 release of Cinemage, a collection of his best-known work. It's a cast of standouts, but the real star on the album is a song called Forbidden Colours, with English lyrics by David Sylvian. The song is one of Sakamoto's most renowned pieces, and has featured in several cinematic works. In its many incarnations over the years -- as an instrumental piece, a Japanese vocal and an English vocal -- the melody he weaves throughout the piece remains pure and simply wonderful. The February 2000 release of BTTB (Back to the Basic) outside of Japan has caused a resurgence of interest in Sakamoto's work, not least of all because it was so well received in Japan -- hovering at or near the top of its respective music rankings for over eight weeks. The work is a collection of solo piano pieces that tilts more to the electronica side of his expertise, and maintains Sakamoto's flair for melody. " At times ambient, at times classical, the music is always elaborate. It never fails to take the listener on a rolling journey. As a composer and musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto is a standout. His website, ryuichi-sakamoto.com, offers a few downloadable clips to get a taste of his music. It also features some of his other personal pursuits -- including support of the offbeat Jubilee 2000 campaign, a group symposium effort to end debt commitments held by poor or struggling countries. Sakamoto is currently touring in the U.S before contemplating a return tour in Asia. Ticked off at Asia Buzz? Turned on? Talk back to TIME Write to TIME at mail@web.timeasia.com Search for recent Asia Buzz
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