Label: Leaf – BAY 17V Format: 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album Country: UK Released: 04 Jun 2001 Genre: Electronic Style: Downtempo, Experimental
Another moment of genius nestled deep within multi-faceted Japanese producer Susumu Yokota’s baffling discography, 2001 LP ‘Grinning Cat’ for the Leaf label, following up his revered ambient classic ‘Sakura’ that came two years earlier.Reportedly influenced by move to the Tokyo suburbs and spending time playing with his girlfriend’s cats, Susumu expertly creates his own fanciful atmosphere through a tapestry of electronically processed organic elements.Piano features heavily, setting a nostalgic scene, joined by wind chimes, handclaps, drum-loops, acoustic guitar and inventive use of sampling throughout.There’s elements of jazz, Eno-informed ambience and west-coast minimalism, the percussive onslaught of ‘Lapis Lazuli’ an obvious tribute to Reich’s ‘Music For 18 Musicians’, whilst ‘Tears Of A Poet’ builds over tinkering piano hits, wilting jazz sax notes and a house-style tempo.But it’s the mood of the whole thing, cohesive, immersive and always inventive.Certainly the work of uniquely talented artist fully in the zone and perfectly encapsulating what’s in their imagination.One of the best of its kind...
Tracklist A1 I Imagine A2 King Dragonfly A3 Card Nation A4 Balloon In A Cage B1 Lapis Lazuli B2 Cherry Blossom B3 Sleepy Eye C1 Love Bird C2 Fearful Dream C3 Tears Of A Poet D1 Flying Cat D2 So Red D3 Lost Child
