VENOSTA Giovanni & SONATA ISLANDS
Nippon Eldorado Kabarett

fy 8233

885016823320
Felmay Records

 

In Japan (Nippon) the musical avant-garde (or avant-rock) established itself in the early 80s, followed by radiance even in the 90s.
This project aims to give light to this repertoire almost hidden (Eldorado) in western countries, full of melodic and stylistic suggestions often with subtle irony and great radiance. All topped off with an attitude almost existentialist and disenchanted (Kabarett), which is also typical of the performances of Japanese groups in this musical area. SONATA ISLANDS is an exceptional quintet that has mastered to perfection this unusual repertoire giving magic and joy at the same time.

In Japan (Nippon), the avant-garde music (or so called avant-rock) began to establish itself around the beginning of the ‘80s, followed by brilliance in the ‘90s, trespassing firmly into the third millennium. In those years the voracious Japanese managed to have a more complete access to Western music, beginning to revisit those “extreme” stimuli through a very personal aesthetic. Personal because insular and "isolated", coming from a country never invaded by any other people for centuries, but where artists, especially since after the war, had already given proof of assimilation, synthesis and restitution of European trends first, and then American.

This project wants to show a repertoire still hidden (Eldorado) in western countries, full of melodic and stylistic suggestions, often with subtle irony and great radiance.
SONATA ISLANDS is an exceptional quintet founded by Emilio Galante, composed of two well-known composers of classical extraction (Emilio Galante on flute and electronics and Giovanni Venosta on keyboards), assisted by one of the most eclectic Italian guitarists (Alberto Turra) and a telluric rhythmic section (William Nicastro on bass and Sergio Quagliarella on drums). Host and real guest star of the quintet is Sarah Stride, one of the most interesting and versatile voices of the recent Italian rock scene. On this occasion she is engaged in original interpretations in Japanese language, blending present sounds with the traditional singing of the country of the Rising Sun,. All topped off with an attitude almost existentialist and disenchanted (Kabarett), which is also typical of the performances of Japanese groups in this musical area.

They are performing pieces by After Dinner of Haco, by Kiyohiko Senba & Haniwa the All Stars, and by Wha Ha Ha (with Mishio Ogawa). Some of the tracks are processing Chindon'ya repertoire, the music of street musicians, born at the end of the nineteenth century in Osaka. The CD presents excerpts from a repertoire that ranks roughly in the 80s and 90s.