Natural Sonic - Yoshiaki Ochi (1990)

Ideated from: a mystery playlist I found that I have no memory of making but has some cool stuff on it

I can’t find much info about this gentleman, and it’s the only record I’ve found in his name. But it’s quite an amazing accomplishment.

It’s all percussion, with no electronics or anything. Maybe overdubs, but it feels like it’s just a raw performance. The percussion is happening on all natural objects: wood, stone, etc, with a few vocal parts and other oddities. It’s very soothing even while being very lively in places.

Tracks I Liked

Woods From the Sea - some interesting polyrhythms

Anywhere - I have to assume that this is violating the “found objects” maxim, since it’s clearly a set of tuned definite pitches like a xylophone. But it’s beautiful so I won’t complain.

Beat The Water - the most minimal track here, but totally engrossing