Itsukushimi no Ame no naka de
(Musik Atlach - MA007) CD $16.50
Female accordion player based in Tokyo, whose noteworthy debut, Utsuho (Tzadik 2001), featured Haino Keiji as a guest musician. She crosses the border between pop and avant-garde with ease (a natural part of the territory when your instrument of choice is the accordion). Her hushed improv bears the beauty and nostalgia of folklore; within her delicate exotica are hidden fortitude and energy.