Japanese ambient pioneer Hiroshi Yoshimura passed away in 2003 but one of his seminal recordings is back in print this week. Quiet Forest from 1996 is being reissued by the Temporal Drift label, and it is one of this week's most immersive listens.
The opening title cut is spry and almost playful, the synths sounding like flutes at certain points. Elsewhere, the tinkling keys of "After Rain" mimic the sound of raindrops falling, with the melody having a lovely downward trajectory. "Hoh River" finds beats being added, and the cut has a vibe that is both haunting and a little percussive. The press materials have quotes from the late Hiroshi Yoshimura about how his visit to that Washington State landmark inspired this record. And while lots of this is what one might call contemplative music, this cut is a little more energetic and lively. Still, while not as peppy, "Sunrise" succeeds enormously thanks to the layers of synths on the cut. It's a warm and rich track and a highlight here on Quiet Forest.
This is a record which surprises in small ways. The electronic textures of something like "Deep Echoes" give the tune a spark not found in more obviously ambient genre works. Hiroshi Yoshimura was really adept at adding heart and soul to a form which can sometimes lack those very human elements. This is a rewarding listen, and a nicely surprising one too. Consider this reviewer a Hiroshi Yoshimura fan now.
Quiet Forest by Hiroshi Yoshimura is out this week with vinyl coming soon. Details via the Temporal Drift label IG.
[Photo by Ghig & Ikuko Takahashi courtesy of NUVULA_Yoko Yoshimura]