Search - Eri Sugai :: Mai

Voice is the Instrument

Boudica | Ohio USA | 01/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The human voice is capable of so much more than speech. When used by a well trained vocalist, it can become a compliment to well written music. Or it can become as a musical instrument itself, a focal point for the music written. Examples of this are familiar to those who know Enya, who's voice accompanies some beautiful Celtic music, or Maire Brennan, another Celtic Vocalist and Lisa Gerrard, of Dead Can Dance. We also have surpassed the need for the words to be understood. While Enya and Maire Brennan sing in the language of the Celts or Gallic, Lisa Gerrard's vocals are reminiscent of Aramaic.Pacific Moon Records presents us with the vocals of Eri Sugai on the CD "Mai". We are immediately taken to the gardens of Japan, and her voice is the focal point, the harmony and the musical instrument by which we are transported. The music is a combination of Japanese folk and is blended with western harmonies derived from church music. Eri Sugai was strongly affected by church music early in her career, and it gives an almost spiritual tone to her vocalizations. This can best be realized in her track "Konjaku Monogatari". Though definitely Japanese in flavor, it has the serenity of a spiritual moment in a stained glass lit church.Eri Sugai has strong vocals which are best experienced in her tracks "Honen Bushi", "Mai" and "A Song of Birth", she shows how well the voice can be incorporated as a musical instrument and is able to stand on its own when well developed and experienced. I am reminded on some tracks of the style of music most associated with Japanese Animation, pop, but never main stream. We have no need to understand the lyrics, the feeling is in the music, not in the words.Her harmonies are excellent. The music is well chosen to show off her vocal abilities. Recording quality is well done, and Pacific Moon Recordings shows again the fine quality of material they have previously offered continues with this release. Again, the CD contains their signature incense sticks, which I think just adds to the quality of all their releases.Eri Sugai deserves a place as a premier vocalist, in the same caliber as Enya or Maire Brennan. She stands on her own with her particular style and "Mai" is a wonderful introduction to her and her particular style of music."

Nihon - West................................

S. Watanabe | Los Angeles, CA USA | 06/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to and been a big fan of a lot of Japanese music. It has ranged from ancient Bagaku music to classical (old) Japanese songs (vocal). I freely admit, however, that the modern (new) Japanese music and the glitter has been decidedly bad, in my opinion. Eri Sugai's "Mai," though, is way different and almost provocative. There are several elements about this CD that are strongly Western in style but much of the basic music, instruments, etc is Japanese. I was hooked after the first song!In most Japanese music there is one melody that is sung throughout a piece. Even if there are a lot of people singing they all sing the same melody. On "Mai," however, there is strong harmony and even counter melodies on some songs that can only be found in Western music. The harmonies themselves are far ranging consisting of as much as four part harmonies sung on several octaves ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!! Very non-Eastern element. Several tracks have strong Chinese flavors to them which actaully enhances the Japanese music and the Western influences. It gives the CD a very favorable variety. Another thing that is amazing about this CD is the fact that nearly all the vocals were done by Eri Sugai ALONE! I was floored by this. You have to listen to the CD to understand why I say that but it is truly amazing. Her voice is clear and beautiful but you wonder continually if all these voices are really hers.Lastly, the proof is in the music. I suggest everyone listen to two tracks: #1 and #2. If you like these two, you'll just love this CD. I was convinced after the first song, and now after to listening to the whole CD, I am VERY happy that I did purchase it. I think you will be too!:-)"

Eri Sugai is breathtaking

Clarissa | Ontario, California | 06/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had this on my wishlist for about 6 months and completely forgot about it until I heard it playing overhead in my local record store. Then when I found out that it was MAI by Eri Sugai I realized that I had some extra cash on me so I bought it. The title track "Mai" just leaves me awe-struck everytime I hear it for the tribal uprising of choral singing bring me to believe "Mai" to be one of the most breathtaking songs ever created! Most of this album is a cappela with little to no background noise (except for the occassional synthesizer), but on "Mai" (which means "dance") and on the more upbeat "Honen Bushi" they at least have some drum playing which adds to the exhilerating experience. "Konjaku Monogatari" is another stunning song with ancient instruments and gentle string arrangments while the first song "Horizon" and "A Lullaby of Takeda" bare a striking resemblance to that of Adiemus, or of anything found on the pure-moods series. Now I may be over-exaggerating here but this whole album (which is gorgeously composed of Japanese vocalization) reminds me of the laid-back simplicity of Bjork's VESPERTINE album mixed in with the vocal styling of Yasue, who is also a Japanese new age singer. And while most artists these days depend on heavy bass and/or a full-blown band to help enhance their sound, Eri (who is obviously trained in the classical field) needs nothing else but a mouth that opens. This is definitely one of my more enchanting CDs to relax to. It's subtle harmonies are un-commercialized, yes, but they are anything but boring. The enrapturing beauty that emanates forth from all the mystifying songs take full control as it possesses the listener. So in conclusion I'm gonna stop before I write a novel on how incredible this album is. You're just gonna have to take my word for it. And if you don't? Well that's a major loss on your part. If you like the Pure Moods series, though, than you're bound to like this.This is highly recommended."