Search - DJ Krush, Toshinori Kondo :: Ki-Oku

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4RillaGorilla | 01/09/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The trumpet throughout most of this album is unhelpful enough to make me wish it wasn't there at all on some songs. There are brief moments when Kondo's playing illuminates and enhances Krush's moody, earthy beats, but throughout much of the album the horn playing is uninspired and unfocused enough to become distracting and actually diminish the effect of the beats. In places, it kind of sounds as if Kenny G. wandered into a Tokyo ghetto and couldn't find his way out. Those familiar with Krush's other collaborations with edgier, more bombastic Jazz horns (e.g. Edge of Blue) will recall how well they worked out. The album isn't all bad, though. Krush's signature soundscapes make Ki-Oku a satisfying listen when they're being complimented by Kondo, and still listenable when they're not. Recommended for background music more so than for attentive listening."