Description
Debut release by the trio of Kang Tae Hwan, Makoto Kawabata, and Ichiraku Yoshimitsu. Group leader Hwan is an under-documented alto player from Korea who has recorded for Japanese Victor and DIW, played at Moers, toured Japan a few times, and collaborated with Gerry Hemingway and Otomo Yoshihide, among others. Active since the 70’s, Hwan’s discography also includes several CD’s of solo alto improvisations and a duo CD with Tuvan vocalist Sainkho Namtchylak. More recently he has been collaborating with Alfred Harth during Harth’s residency in Seoul. Percussionist Yoshimitsu is well-traveled in both improv and rock circles, having been a member of Omoide Hatoba and a frequent collaborator with heavyweights like Otomo Yoshide and Haco. The inescapable Makoto Kawabata is best known for his Deep Purple-style rock as a member of Acid Mothers Temple, but on his own he has produced a string of subtle, elegiac solo CD’s, performing on guitar, organ, electronics, etc.
More minimalist than free jazz, Love Time centers on Hwan’s long circular tones, avoiding common free-alto styles in favor of a roughly-hewn clarion approach. Kawabata and Yoshimitsu shadow Hwan subtly on sarangi and bowed percussion. The music gradually builds to a crescendo, with Kawabata switching to guitar and Yoshimitsu moving to the drum kit. An atmospheric and understated work.
Kang Tae Hwan (Alto Sax)
Yoshimitsu Ichiraku (Drums, Percussion)
Makoto Kawabata (Sarangi, Electric Guitar)
