Prog4you.com - Progressive Rock Review - Akihisa Tsuboy & Natsuki Kido

: : REVIEW : :

What we have here are 7 songs of 100% acoustic passion recorded live in 2000, 2001, and 2002. I’ve got to tell you, fans of any type of violin playing will be wetting their pants over this CD. Understand that this CD is just two players, violin and acoustic guitar. Each at times tasks the “lead” if you will all the while producing a seamless soundscape of soft melodic music.

This CD at times has a strong Pacific Rim feel to it, then it morphs into a more traditional acoustic guitar sound.

There are no lyrics in this CD, so all you have is the absolutely brilliant playing of both these Top Shelf artists. At times I’m reminded of Sky’s first release, but without any electronics or drums. A very clear classical music sound coupled with intricate compositions where the violin and guitar play off each like to dolphins dancing in the ocean.

This is dramatic music. Music that demands to be listened to. Seriously. Listened to. This is not background music; it is music with clarity and strength rarely found in such an “unplugged” format.

The migration from song to song also speaks highly of these artists, and the live audience as well. The songs flow directly into each other and the audience is quiet and serene the entire time.

I cannot get away from the fact that each song is filled to the brim with passion. Not just in the actual playing, but also in the way the songs were written and designed to bring out the best in both the acoustic guitar and violin.

I am unsure if this duo has other recordings, or if both these excellent players have other projects, but it is well worth the time it takes to find out. Players of this caliber surely have other projects and that thought alone gets my musical juices flowing.

This is quiet and melodic music, almost trance like at times. The wispy violin just wants to take you away, all while the guitar strums away a backbeat that allows the violin to flower and bloom. Wow, I like this CD.

Rating: 7.5 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis

Review Date: 03/16/03

Visit the artist website: Tsuboy & Kido
Akihisa Tsuboy Homepage
Natsuki Kido Homepage
E-mail - tsuboy@internet.ne.jp

Record Label: POSEIDON Records / PRF-001

You can purchase this CD from: www.musicterm.jp