The Definitive Collection

Performer: Kitaro
Distributor: IDN Distribution

Notes: Considering his prolific output over the last couple of decades -- 102 albums and counting, including compilations and live records -- the work of Japanese new age composer Kitaro cannot be contained "definitively" by a single disc; it would need to be a box set at the very least. What's more, this ten-cut selection issued by the Dono Music Group feels slapdash at the very best. With its skimpy black-and-white cover photo and a single color photograph that lists more credits by the package assemblers and producers than by the man himself, it feels like a budget-rack special. These tunes feel as if they were chosen haphazardly -- at best -- and do nothing to illuminate the rather unique story and contribution Kitaro made to his chosen genre. Even if one were completely taken in by this little set, you would have to do a boatload of research simply to find out which albums these songs came from. (The point of a compilation is to avoid such labor.) The best advice to the listener, or potential listener, is simply to avoid this disc altogether, as there are far better and more instructive compilations by Kitaro out there just waiting in the bins of your favorite CD emporium or online retailer. ~ Thom Jurek This ten-cut selection issued by the Dono Music Group can only scratch the surface of the unique contribution Japanese new age composer Kitaro has made to his chosen genre, particularly considering his prolific output over the last couple of decades -- 102 albums and counting, including compilations and live records. ~ Thom Jurek

Born Masanori Takahashi, Japanese keyboard wizard Kitaro first came to prominence in the early 1970s as a member of the band Far Out, which would quickly change its name to Far East Family Band, one of Japan's first and most legendary psychedelic groups. On his own, Kitaro produces pioneering New Age synthesizer music that is atmospheric and meditative, with simple melodies unfolding at unhurried tempos. His world-famous TV soundtrack SILK ROAD led to soundtracks for other films and even a Broadway show, in addition to numerous successful Kitaro albums proper.

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