Release Date: May 24th, 2024
Label: Independent
Lost
there, Found here will be out soon. It features twelve tracks of new-age
ambient jazz sounds that will surely make their mark, as always.
"Spirit
Forest" is a musical narrative that begins with a deliberate, slower
approach, gradually transitioning into more delicate and light tones. The shift
in the pattern and the notes played profoundly mirrors the ethereal power a
forest holds. This track is a testament to Masako's ability to evoke emotions
through her music.
"Miracle
of Spring" is a breathtaking spectacle, mirroring nature's awakening as
leaves and flowers start budding and eventually burst into bloom. If you're
fortunate enough to witness the four seasons, this is a particularly poignant
time, a true miracle of life. The piano captures these moments, starting with
anticipation, then building momentum, and finally gently receding, much like
the foliage we witness each year. The piano is in full bloom, guided by Masako's
skilled fingers.
"Walk
Together" is the second longest track at 5:01. It starts with an excellent
acoustic guitar strumming and lovely wordless vocals, with the piano entering
the celebration of the light-hearted walk through your own space in time. Painted
on an empty canvas in your mind's eye, then blending a palette of colors
through all the sounds and textures in the song. It has a cool jazz feel to it
with new-age undertones.
"Ice
Blue," like the sky in the cover art, brings an airy feeling to the
atmosphere. The piano's significance cannot be understated; it is gorgeous and
adding a trumpet to accompany those lovely notes gives the track additional
ambiance and beauty. As cool as ice and clear blue as the sky, this one was one
of my favorites. It provides a listener with moments to pause and reflect.
"Reasons"
may be the artist saying through her instrument that giving titles related to
nature inspires the music, and there are many valid reasons for this. The song
is filled with rhythms and brief seconds of space between notes, hoping you
will find the same inspiration to protect and love Mother Earth. It ends with
low notes, firmly making you believe this is serious business.
"Brooks
and Cascades" starts with a violin, then the piano enters, followed by
some wordless vocals to give the track a heavenly feel. It sets you off on your
journey through the beauty and wonders of nature once again. It is picturesque
and tells a story that you will want to relive.
"Somber
Day" has the mood and tones you would expect based on the title. We all
have those days, but perhaps it's sad for the world with our nature and
habitats being polluted and destroyed. It is a hard look at reality through the
lens of the elegance of a solo piano song.
"Winter
Tale" is the parallel universe "Miracle of Spring." There is a
dissimilar approach to this season, the one of harsh temperatures, snow, and
ice. It is all beautiful watching from the warmth of a house; however, when you
venture into it, your mood can change quickly. The flute is a nice touch, and
once again, the wordless vocals give it a touch of class. The song has a
finality and sadness, yet the piano notes are soothing and hopeful.
"Mid-Hudson"
features a catchy rhythm pattern that exudes joy. The violin returns, injecting
more substance and thought into the track. It is a toe-tapper, which I usually
reserve for other genres. The contagious rhythms get your spirit to move and
your body in motion, just like the river with the name Hudson, as some soft
percussion adds more spice to the mix.
"Homebound"
is full of promise as you return to your comfort zone. It is a concise track,
quite a step away from the previous tracks' complexities and lengths.
"Camino
del Monte" is lively and colorful, imbued with the artist's feelings for
the location being honored. It instantly pulls you in as you listen for hints
of what it may look like there. It is a pleasing track.
"Into the
Dusk" is appropriate for closing out this recording. The temperament is
fixed on the unwinding of the day as the sun goes down and darkness begins
changing the light and mood. The violin hints at sadness at the end of another
day, yet the piano's delicate notes promise a new day.
Masako has
created a masterful group of compositions highlighting her focus and high skill
level. It is solo piano music at its best on Lost there Found here.
It is solo piano music at its best on Lost there Found
here.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
May 8, 2024
Tracks:
01. Spirit Forest (3:24)
02. Miracle of Spring (4:24)
03. Walk Together (5:01)
04. Ice Blue (4:15)
05. Reasons (2:50)
06. Brooks and Cascades (4:44)
07. Somber Day (4:18)
08. Winter Tale (4:197)
09. Mid-Hudson (5:06)
10. Homebound (2:33)
11. Camino del Monte (3:43)
12. Into the Dusk (3:38)