I was acquainted with Tomoka Iseya 7 years back on a local radio talk show.
Since then, observing her amazing performances inspired me to plan this album.
I haven't been so experienced in vocal works, but I was truly impressed by her outstanding performance.
The main idea of this album is to express some of my past compositions with words, and hence it became my first attempt to write lyrics.
I was also fortunate to acquire jump-in support from Joji Sasaki with guitars on 2 pieces.
That caused me to re-record violin and piano for them, instead of re-using previously recorded material from their instrumental versions.
I am very grateful for Tomoka's accepting of involvement in this project, despite her busy life.
Lastly and mostly, being born 20 years apart in the same hometown, I feel truly fortunate and privileged to have completed this work with such a talented artist.
(Lyrics translations available in track info of your streaming/download service)
Tracks
Dream is Calling Originally the theme music for a mushi.net label imaginary game soundtrack project "Projet Twinbee" from 1998.
I actually had ideas about making a vocal version at the time of original composition, and here it is, after 27 years!
Treasure Moments Vocal arrangement of a guitar piece from album "metamorphosis"
After the Rain Vocal arrangement of a cello piece from album "melody craft"
Horizon Vocal arrangement of a violin piece from album "melody craft"
Tabibito Vocal arrangement of a guitar piece from album "metamorphosis"
Fly with Me! Vocal arrangement of a violin piece from album "metamorphosis"
Sunset's Salute Vocal arrangement of a violin piece from album "Fantasian", which ended up trading release order with this one.
Candle Light Vocal arrangement of a violin piece from album "Portrait"
Message Vocal arrangement of a cello piece from album "melody craft"
This album is an assortment of music expressing peace and calmness in the natural background.
I have wanted to put together an album that would suit as background when I settle in at travel destinations, and the desire to seek peace of mind in the year of 2020 triggered this project.
As with my previous titles, the album features re-makes of pieces from my early hobby projects, but this time, the selection also had the purpose to seek assistance of spirit from times that had yet to experience the present world.
Additionally, I have directed attention to subtle ‘musical whispers’ in the background of my consciousness, which I would otherwise have passed, to reflect the spirit of this album.
I would be glad if people do fall asleep while listening to this album.
Ultimately, it will be an honor if this work could take part in your peace of mind.
Tracks
Morning Village Originally a town theme from an imaginary game soundtrack project in 1999.
I picked up from the same concept, with an image of morning air at a peaceful but vivacious rural village.
Ripples This piece came down with an impression of leaves falling on still forest water surface, and the ripples inviting to imagine dancing nymphs.
Wind of Light Reflecting an impression of waking up to the wind of a strange world full of brightness, this is a remake of a piece from a fanfic game soundtrack project from 1996-1997.
Resting Tales A theme for noble but unsung stories fading into history.
Although different in style, the original melody belongs to a fanfic game soundtrack project from 2005.
Summer Lake
Imaged after a quiet summer lake whose waveless surface doubles the scenery, with occasional gentle breeze and distant cicada chorus.
Autumn Skies This is a revival of my first composition, which spontaneously hit me as I was practicing computer music production at college in 1994.
White Peaks Imaged after flight over snowy rock mountains. Back in 2000, I contributed an arrangement piece for a game music fan-compilation album, and since I liked its style, which drastically differed from the original piece, I attempted to resurrect the music by rebuilding it with a new melody.
Resonance There were a couple of musical phrases which popped up over a decade ago, but I had ignored them because I didn’t have use for them at the time. However they occasionally reappeared together in my head, so I decided to grant the music’s seeming wish to be composed, by integrating them into once piece.
Serenity The album's theme piece is an attempt to create an ensemble of 20 live players.
I initially intended to write the album title piece about ‘greens and water’ like the jacket image, but as I began composing, the music’s nuance shifted toward ‘starry sky reflecting on still water’, and I followed my muse.
My fourth album breaks 8 years of silence since "m-scape".
It was a period of self-discovery and trials, marking a turning point of my life.
The content features new compositions as well as resurrected arrangements of my early works.
All pieces, except for the final "Portrait", were composed or arranged within 2 years since "m-scape", but most were left with instruments unrecorded.
I was finally able to complete this long-halted project as a "Musical Self Portrait", in remembrance of my pivotal time period.
Tracks
CONCEPT Based on my motivation to do a motor show BGM-like techno-style tune.
Soul Breeze Originally a theme for a character in one of my hobby projects from 2000.
I gave it a new theme as shown in its title, and added a Violin companion to the main Piano melody.
Candle Light This piece was composed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of my local bar in 2011.
Based on the image of the small candle stand the bartender places in front of each customer.
Romance Originally the Heroine's theme from my 1999 imaginary RPG music project.
It was first created as a string orchestra piece, and I arranged it into a solo Piano delight.
Wind Rider I initially intended to cover "Wings of Courage" from my 2006 "metamorphosis", which was then played by Cello.
But the plan was changed by the emergence of this new melody.
Last Sunset A metal ballad-like tune which would be good for electric guitar performance, but I gave it a show with my Violin.
This piece is built up on original phrases extracted from a game music arrangement project in 2002.
Cocktail City Themed after a view of metropolitan night from a high floor window.
There is another piece called "City of Light Ocean" from 2011 "m-scape", whose setting is on a skyscraper ceiling, and if you can feel the difference in their nuances, I'd be thrilled.
Candle Light -Remix- I attempted a re-mix using recorded material for "Candle Light".
Imagine and enjoy the gap between the musical images of the outcome versus what the performers had in mind at the time of recording.
Portrait The album's theme piece is an attempt to create an ensemble of 20 live players.
I started composing this piece during my blank period, when this melody started to float in my head.
Despite the initial difficulty of putting it together, the piece settled itself naturally as the project theme elucidated.
My third self-brand album is themed after "melodically portrayed scenery", where the "m" in the album title stands for "melody".
Through this music, I hope to convey the impressions of my memorable times and places to the audience.
This album incorporates multiplex-recorded strings section simulation on all pieces, and the last track "Memories" features all-acoustic instrumentation.
I believe I was able to make this album into a fun, refreshing, and warm piece of work for my audience to enjoy.
Tracks
m-scape The album's title piece themed after a refreshing scenic overture.
Let's Go Out A depiction of trip-departing mood.
Wind and Cherry Blossoms This tune came into mind as I was jogging by a park filled with full-blossomed cherry blossom trees.
Drivin' with Waves Inspired by memories of a seashore drive on a fine and warm day.
Undersea Walk Inspired by impressions I had at an aquarium trip.
Sunset and Lake In a sunset reflecting on lake surface, I found music waiting to be discovered.
Lighthouse Island A depiction of panoramic view from the top of a lighthouse, where sunset and city lights collaborate for a brief moment.
City of Light Ocean A scenery from the roof of a skyscraper under night sky, where the air is filled by city lights and traffic noise from far below.
Memories Themed after recollection of a memorable trip, surrounded by greens and comfortable breeze.
My second album's concept is "Melodic Journey", featuring re-arranged pieces from my early years as well as new compositions.
The word "craft" in the album title bears the meaning of "boat" and "craftsmanship" at the same time, also becoming the motive for this website's title.
This is also the first album to feature my own instrument performance.
Up to this point, I have relied on my friend musicians for instrumental performance, but that has stimulated my desire to perform my own creations, resulting in my musician debut.
I took this opportunity to attempt duet performance, electrical violin employment, and simulation of multi-player strings section by multiplex recording.
I invite my audience to enjoy this collaboration of aged pieces and my new sensibilities.
Tracks
Welcome To The Show A vivacious duet of acoustic and electric violins, expressing a show opening.
After The Rain A depiction of peaceful moments after rain with a cello.
windwalkers A violin-cello duet, imaged after a light-step walk in the skies.
Autumn Dandelion A string ensemble piece themed after a dadelion quietly waving in breeze.
Good Ol' Days A violin piece expressing remembrance of old-day memories.
HORIZON An electric violin piece, expressing a flight toward horizon.
Beyond A violin piece themed after spirit of adventure, seeking what lies beyond.
Message A cello ballad with a concept of "message through time".
Tropical Snow: Duet A violin duet arrangement of "Tropical Snow" from the previous album, "metamorphosis".
This is the first of my self-brand music albums.
The album title reflects my intention to elevate my musical career into a new level.
I have always enjoyed picturesque music with attractive melodies, so I decided to theme my new album after "Fantasy and Adventure".
I have been interested in classic video game music for the same reason, and done some fan-art works since my college years as a hobby.
The music featured in this album originated from such works, matured into instrumental arrangements.
I encourage the audience to enjoy this music with their own fantastical imaginations.
Tracks
Tropical Snow Based on the image of a gravity-light planet where it snows in warm climate.
Treasure Moments a promised friendship between parting characters who have shared a voyage.
Wings Of Courage Theme of a warrior with the ability to transform into a dragon to confront evil.
Tabibito A warrior continues his voyage to find a place to belong, after waking into justice and destroying the evil that once raised him.
Fly With Me Fly like Peter Pan!
Lone Penetrator A single fighter spacecraft charges into the enemy's enormous mechanical fortress!
Silent Ocean Of Lights Victorious, but adrift in a damaged spacecraft, the space warrior closes her eyes in peace amid the calmness of star ocean.
Warrior's Fate Portraying the bloodline of a vampire hunter descendant in the battle against monstrosities of a cursed castle reigned by the enemy vampire.
Farewell Final salutations with the friends of the adventure world, when the hero must return to his homeworld.
