Hikage, Shoko & Noriko Tsuboi / Step Forward
Album: Step Forward   Collection:World
Artist:Hikage, Shoko & Noriko Tsuboi   Added:Nov 2002
Label:(Unknown)  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2002-11-25 Pull Date: 2003-01-27 Charts: Reggae/World
Week Ending: Jan 26 Jan 19 Jan 12 Jan 5 Dec 29 Dec 8 Dec 1
Airplays: 1 2 1 1 1 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. May 08, 2009: The Professor Barnaby J. Finkerton Variety Hour -- Music of Classical Japan
Koto Futae 1, Luggage
4. Jan 12, 2003: Oh Messy Life
Kobu 5
2. Jan 19, 2003: Oh Messy Life
Kobu 3
5. Jan 05, 2003: Oh Messy Life
Kobu 2
3. Jan 14, 2003: No Cover, No Minimum
Koto Futae 3
6. Jan 01, 2003: press and release
Laguna

Album Review
Jacki-O
Reviewed 2002-12-15
Hikage, Shoko & Noriko Tsuboi - Koto Duo: Step Forward
Label: self-released

As you can tell from the picture on the CD, the koto is a huge stringed instrument that is identical to a Chinese zither. Some works on this CD are far-out improvisational pieces (3,4,9) and other pieces are more traditional Asian-sounding works (2,6,7,8). This CD can be played on experimental/improv programs as a result. There are quite a few interesting pieces. I especially liked 6-8, which is three-part work that is quite nice, and #5 is very interesting.
1. Sparse notes played quietly
2. A light & sunny feel to the melodies
3. Improvisation – w/ some insistent moments
4. Low bassy notes, some tense high-pitched squeaky-string moments, alternating with quiet meditative moments
5. A four-part work that incorporates ideas of the four seasons, a re-creation of nature sounds through the use of the two koto instruments - impressive
6. Slow and peaceful
7. Melodic and flowing – lovely tones
8. Lively – beautifully dancing tones & melodies
9. Improv piece that brings out some really far-out sounds from the manipulation of the two koto instruments

Track Listing
1. Kobu 2   5. Hyakkafu
2. Kobu 3   6. Koto Futae 1
3. Kobu 5   7. Koto Futae 2
4. Laguna   8. Koto Futae 3
  9. Luggage