You may not have heard the name
Group Ongaku, but you've sure heard of some of the group members.
Takehisa Kosugi (who would go on to lead
Taj Majal Travellers and
East Bionic Symphonia) and
Shukou Mizunao (now an established composer and artist) were just college students in Tokyo in the late 1950's when they roped in some friends (including
Yasunao Tone and Fluxus artist
Mieko Shiomi) to create group improvisations and soundtracks for modern dance. The recordings on this very rare CD, which as far as I'm aware are the only existing recordings of the group, were made in 1960 and 1961. As a historical document, the significance of this album is self-evident. It's helpful, though, that the music is also great.
Group Ongaku - Music of Group Ongaku
Thanks for making this available! And keeping alive the blogosphere! These Japanese posts are essential and important.
ReplyDeletebeautiful...thank you...
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