Golden Melodies From Japan - Paul Marks

 

Mujo No Yume

Golden Melodies From Japan

Paul Mark

His Orchestra and Voices

Produced by George Chun

Photograph by Bud Thuener/Pacific Camera

Recorded in Hawaii by Sounds of Hawaii, Inc.

IR Imperial STEREO LP 12075

1962

From the back cover: The Queen Bees

Japanese music has been heavily subjected to Western influence in recent years. Progressive jazz and rock 'n' roll have made a deep impression upon and won many musical converts among Japan's younger set.

Yet the Ryokoka, the Japanese version of the modern popular ballad, while strongly western in melodic, rhythmic and harmonic patterns, is unmistakably flavored with the basic features of the Nagauta and the Kota, traditional forms of Japanese musical expressions.

Though primitive and simple in harmonic structure, these traditional forms, as well as the Gagaku and Kiyomoto which represent the classical music of old Japan, are deeply imbued with the philosophical thoughts of the Japanese people.

This profound philosophical significance is one of the two basic characteristics of all the fine arts of Japan. The other is simplicity of expression, noticeable particularly in the Minyo, or the prefectural folk songs. Whether in music, Kabuki Drama, Noh Play, architecture, the Ukiyoe painting or in a typical Japanese rock garden – these two characteristics are always present to reflect the Japanese love for a simple, unaffected way of life.

Golden Melodies From Japan is a selection by the noted arranger-conductor Paul Mark of a variety of the most representative Ryokoka of today's modern Japan, along with some of the better known Minyo, most of which have been handed down for generations in the original forms you will hear here.

His imaginative orchestra, effectively utilizing interpretive percussion and woodwinds, has translated for the Western ear the serene beauty of these Oriental melodies without losing the deep meaning expressed within them.

Vocalists heard are May Murakami, soloist, and The Queen Bees (as illustrated on this liner) –  May Murakami, Nancy Moritomo and Darlene Yoshimoto), courtesy of Dick Aoyagi Voice and Piano Studio.

Grateful acknowledgement must also be made to Masa Kamisato, who provided historical background information; Shirokiya of Japan, for the magnificent Japanese kimono; Coral Reef Restaurant for the background scenery.

Kompira Fune

Mizuiro No Waltz

Yagi Bushi

Sado Okesa

Mujo No Yume

Shina No Yoru

Tokyo DoDon'Pa Musume

Shojoji

Gion Kouta

Dare Yori Mo Kimi Wo Aisu

Koi San No Love Call

Suzu Kake No Michi

Oshima Bushi

Sumire No Hana