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Yoshi Wada

Singing in Unison

Label: EM Records

Format: CD

Genre: Experimental

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"Singing in Unison" is the final in a series of recordings from acclaimed sound artist, composer and performer Yoshi Wada. Recorded live over two nights, March 14 and 15, in 1978, at New York City's legendary performance space The Kitchen, "Singing in Unison" is a dramatic yet meditative work: modal improvisations for three male voices, singing, with great gravitas, in purposeful unison.

These previously unreleased recordings, featuring vocalists Richard Hayman (aka R.I.P Hayman), Imani Smith and Wada himself are extremely powerful, with a glacial majesty and a sense of timeless wonder. Wada's earliest musical memories are of hearing Zen Buddhist ritual chants in his native Japan, and those memories are reflected in the deep vocalisations here; also evident is Wada's period of intense study with Indian master singer Pandit Pran Nath. Thus there is a definite "Eastern" feeling to "Singing in Unison", with further elements added by Imani Smith's Sufi background and Wada's interest in Eastern European vocal styles, but the music is also informed by Wada's experiences in the Fluxus movement and as a member of the New York avant-garde community. The edgy atmosphere of 1970s New York City pervades these recordings, adding a hint of menace. Despite the fact that this is purely vocal music, fans of the slow-moving heaviosity of Sunn O))) will appreciate "Singing in Unison". "Singing in Unison" is a massive, monumental, monolith of vocal sound. Unstoppable! 

Details
Cat. number: EM1109CD
Year: 2025

Release notes

Recorded on March 15, 1978. A-D transferred from master tapes at Sanwa Studios. Issued under permission from Yoshi Wada. Gatefold paper sleeve with insert.

Tracklist
1March 15 Part 143:59
2March 15 Part 222:34
Credits
Yoshi Wada
Illustration [Cover Drawings], Producer [Production Arrangement], Liner Notes
Koichi Hara
Mastered By
Seiji Kakizaki
Photography By
Tashi Wada
Supervised By [Production Arrangement]