Inspired by the centuries-old Onbashira Matsuri (Pillar Festival) in Japan, Gaia Onbashira is an ambitious work of programmatic (that is, inspired by an outside, non-musical event) music that combines ancient percussion and wind instruments with a modern approach and some excellent synthesizer work. This ambition is most fully realized on the two-part "Yamadashi," which progresses steadily from a low-key beginning to rhythmic, taiko-style drumming and singing. This progression from simple beginnings to more and more complex musical structures is a feature on this album; the only real exception is "Kiotoshi," which has a classical-style concerto construction. Kitaro's sweeping, cinematic style is impressive and often enchanting; one is often left wondering what would happen if he had a full orchestra to work with. --Genevieve Williams
Gaia Onbashira is a musical exploration of respect and how it relates to ancient traditions. Gaia loosely translates to Goddess of the Earth or Mother Earth and Onbashira is a festival that occurs every seven years in Japan. During the Onbashira festival, eight individuals are chosen for spiritually cleansing. The participants ascend a mountain and attempt to spiritually connect with the heavens through the trees. These trees are then allowed to fall down the mountain and eventually become posts and the foundation of a ceremonial shrine. Through these events, these individuals learn to become more in touch with their spirits.This album is a far-reaching journey that brings together influences of the East and West, past and present, history and future. These tracks resonate with earthly sounds and the history embodied in pre-Columbian wind and percussion instruments.
