T-SQUARE – Discoveries (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)
October 19, 2009 by Dennis Amith
“T-Square’s 35th album ‘Discoveries’ gets the Blu-Spec CD treatment and for the most part, an enjoyable album which comes with an entertaining DVD. If you are a fan of this jazz fusion band, ‘Discoveries’ is worth checking out!”
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BAND: T-SQUARE
ALBUM: Discoveries
LABEL: Village Music, Inc.
CATALOG #: VRCL 20004-20005
DURATION: 42:28
RELEASE DATE: May 27, 2009
- Discoveries
- Survivor
- Clappin’
- Crazy Beach
- Paperplane
- Undo
- All You Need To Know
- かわらぬ想い
- Smile Smile Smile
- MiyuuJin ~Director’s Cut~
T-Square, the Japanese jazz fusion band which started activity back in 1998 and included musicians such as guitarist Masahiro Andoh, bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, saxophonist, flutist and EWI player Takeshi Itoh, keyboardist Hirotaka Izumi and drummer Hiroyuki Noritakae return with their 35th album titled “Discoveries”.
Known for their music at Japan’s Formula One (F1) racing games, “Discoveries” features the following musicians: Masahiro Andoh (electric guitar, acoustic guitar and programming), Satoshi Bandoh (drums, percussion, synth, bass and programming), Takeshi Ito (alto sax and EWI) and Keizoh Kawano (acoustic piano, synthesizers and programming).
As for “Discoveries”, this is my first T-Square album and it’s my first Blu-Spec CD album. Blu-spec CD’s are high quality CD’s introduced by Sony Music Entertainment in late 2008. It uses the same manufacturing process to create Blu-ray discs and instead of using the traditional red laser, a blue laser is used for recording. And in this process, the blue laser creates more precise pits, causing less distortion in the optical read-out process (according to Wikipedia) and can be played on all CD players.
The CD is more or less a Stereo DSD mixed album. Personally, I had this CD setup for 5.1 and then 7.2 (with my receiver set on stereo on all channels) and just wanted to feel the immersive music all around me. My preference but overall, I was impressed.
The first track “Discoveries” is composed by Masahiro Andoh and showcases and is a short track that showcases Ando’s electric guitar playing and Kawano’s synth. In a way, it gave me that “Top Gun” Harold Faltermayer vibe.
The second track “Survivor” is composed by Masahiro Andoh and is more electric guitar driven.
The third track “Clappin’” is composed by Satoshi Bandoh and showcases Takeshi Ito on the alto sax and Ando’s electric guitar but also Kawano’s keyboard playing.
The fourth track “Crazy Beach” is composed by Takeshi Ito and Keizoh Kawano and has that tropical feel with its percussion and alto sax.
The fifth track “Paperplane” is composed by Masahiro Andoh and is a slower-paced acoustic guitar track.
The sixth track “Undo” is composed by Satoshi Bandoh and is a jazzified track with Andoh’s electric guitars and Kawano’s keyboard playing.
The seventh track “All You Need t Know” is composed by Masahiro Andoh and features a rock driven, electric guitar driven track.
The eighth track “かわらぬ想い” is courtesy of Keizoh Kawano and is a beautiful, romantic ballad in which features Takeshi Ito on the sax and Kawano on keyboards.
The final track “Smile Smile Smile” features an upbeat sax and percussion driven track and is composed by Takeshi Ito and Satoshi Bandoh.
As for the DVD, “Myuujin ~Director’s Cut~” is a 34-minute behind-the-scenes look at each member as they rehearse at home, perform at their own gigs, take part in their own personal activities and clips of the members performing together on stage. Also, featuring interviews with each member and the group all together. A very entertaining DVD.
As for the CD insert, the insert features photos of each of the four members and production credits. Two mini fliers with information on Blu-Spec CD and T-Square Concert Tour 2009 ~Discoveries~ is included.
For many listeners of jazz music, it is quite satisfying to have more release in SACD and for those who believe in this format… Blu-Spec CD and just to hear the room’s soundscape being enveloped by great music. For “Discoveries”, the album is definitely relaxing and for the most part, quite entertaining to just sit or lay down while listening to the music come from all around you (for those with a good audio setup). But I was very impressed by the album and the quality of this Blu-Spec CD. Some that have owned Blu-Spec CD’s have commented that they felt it sounded even better than their SACD version. Personally, this is my first Blu-Spec CD and I felt this album was quite awesome to listen to.
Against, it’s important to note that I did set my receiver on stereo on all channels which was my preference.
The following album comes in two versions and for those who are wondering if the DVD is worth it, I would say it is. If you are familiar with the musicians, you get to see them in their studio and just seeing how they rehearse and also getting prepared for their own personal gigs or performing on stage together as a band. Also, a good amount of interviews with each musician is featured.
Overall, if you area T-SQUARE fan, “Discoveries” is a solid album worth checking out!
Purchase this album:
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