About this item

WRWTFWW Records follow their universally acclaimed release of "Through The Looking Glass" with the official reissue of legendary album "KI-Motion" by Japanese percussionist Midori Takada’s MKWAJU ensemble, sourced from the original masters and available in two versions: a vinyl LP cut at Emil Berliner Studios and housed in 350g old Stoughton tip-on sleeve, and a digipak CD.
A highly creative and transcendental fusion of marimba, vibraphone, bamboo percussion and synthesizers, KI-Motion was recorded in 1981 and captures the birth of Midori Takada’s exploration of minimalism, African rhythmic tradition, and ambient music.
The album takes its conceptual inspiration from the tamarind ( 'mkwaju' in Swahili), a drought resistant tree notably used to craft some of the first mallets and marimbas but also known for its culinary and medical uses, an essential symbol of life and identity for the Central African grasslands. Drawing from the region’s culture and music as well as the crucial notion that rhythms represent the very fabric of life, Midori Takada leads her ensemble into environmental heaven to create one of the highlights of her recording career and an absolute must-have from the golden age of Japanese ambient…the ideal companion to her majestic "Through The Looking Glass" opus!

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: WRWTFWW revisit magnificent Midori Takada for this reissue of the 1981 LP from her MKWAJU ensemble. (Slightly) Less esoteric than her better known "Through The Looking Glass", "KI-Motion" hits us with weird-wave dancers, ambient dreamers and lysergic lullabies, all inspired by the tamarind. Tasty fusion tackle from my favourite Japanese percussionist.

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl LP:
A1 Wood Dance
A2 Maximum
A3 KI-Motion
B1 Angwora Steps
B2 Hot Air
B3 Zindo Zindo

CD:
01 Wood Dance
02 Maximum
03 KI-Motion
04 Angwora Steps
05 Hot Air
06 Zindo Zindo