Ayakuma: Yoshimura Nanae

Not knowing the contents of this cd I took the plunge as I’ve come to expect excellence from Nanae Yoshimura. And it certainly didn’t disappoint.From the booklet it’s clear that the cd was primarily meant for a Japanese audience. Happily, the last pages are in English so it’s possible to read about the pieces and their composers.In contrast with most of the other four cd’s by Nanae Yoshimura I own the pieces are certainly not as traditional, but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyable. That said, I found the one collaboration (a composition by Toshi Ichiyanagi with Kifu Mitsuhashi on shakuhachi) a bit challenging, at odds with my previous enjoyment of their joint pieces. But it may well be a case of having to adjust to this particular piece of music.In any case, this is a fine cd, up to Nanae Yoshimura’s high standard. Highly recommended.