Yoshi Wada [ Singing in Unison ] CD [EM1109CD]

+Previously unreleased 1978 recordings at The Kitchen Center, NY
+96khz/24bit digitally remastered
+Liner notes written by Yoshi Wada
+English/Japanese text
+Cover art drawn by Yoshi Wada

CD version:
Single CD for the March 15 performance. Cardboard/gatefold paper jacket + liners.

LP version:
Triple LP set for the complete version of both performances on March 14 and 15. Two and a half hours in total. Quality pressing + liners.

"Singing in Unison" is the latest in a series of recordings from acclaimed sound artist, composer and performer Yoshi Wada. Recorded live over two nights, March 14 and 15, in 1978, at New York City's legendary performance space The Kitchen, "Singing in Unison" is a dramatic yet meditative work: modal improvisations for three male voices, singing, with great gravitas, in purposeful unison.

These previously unreleased recordings, featuring vocalists Richard Hayman, Imani Smith and Wada himself are extremely powerful, with a glacial majesty and a sense of timeless wonder. Wada's earliest musical memories are of hearing Zen Buddhist ritual chants in his native Japan, and those memories are reflected in the deep vocalisations here; also evident is Wada's period of intense study with Indian master singer Pandit Pran Nath. Thus there is a definite "Eastern" feeling to "Singing in Unison", with further elements added by Imani Smith's Sufi background and Wada's interest in Eastern European vocal styles, but the music is also informed by Wada's experiences in the Fluxus movement and as a member of the New York avant-garde community. The edgy atmosphere of 1970s New York City pervades these recordings, adding a hint of menace. Despite the fact that this is purely vocal music, fans of the slow-moving heaviosity of Sunn 0))) will appreciate "Singing in Unison".

Yoshi Wada has four previous releases on EM Records: "Lament for the Rise and Fall of Elephantine Crocodile" [EM1074CD]; "The Appointed Cloud" [EM1076D]; "Off the Wall" [EM1078CD]; and "Earth Horns with Electronic Drone" [EM1081CD]. "Singing in Unison" is available in two formats: a single CD of the March 15 performance, with gatefold sleeve; or a triple LP set featuring a complete version of both performances, March 14 and 15.

"Singing in Unison" is a massive, monumental, monolith of vocal sound. Unstoppable!

TRACKS:
CD version:
1. March 15 - Part 1 (44:07)
2. March 15 - Part 2 (22:30)

LP version:
Side-A: March 14 - Part 1 (first half)
Side-B: March 14 - Part 1 (latter half)
Side-C: March 14 - Part 2
Side-D: March 15 - Part 1 (first half)
Side-E: March 15 - Part 2 (latter half)
Side-F: March 15 - Part 2