Resonance

Japanese pianist Yumiko Morioka initially released Resonance, her first and only solo recording, on Akira Ito’s ‘Green and Water’ imprint in 1987. Whilst by no means a commercial failure, the album was mostly found in the background of Japanese TV documentaries, maternity clinics and healing shops before drifting into relative obscurity. The sparse, delicately played notes are allowed to reverberate and echo through the spaces between themselves, giving each track a feeling of both grandeur and intimacy. Like the great pioneers of classical and ambient music, there’s a timelessness to Resonance – a comforting, familiar feeling, as if these melodies have always existed. Resonance drew influence from the popular environmental music culture prevalent in Japan during the late 80s, but it was also heavily inspired by Western musicians such as the avant-garde Parisian composer Erik Satie. Listening today, it still feels fresh and pertinent; a warm, contemplative reflection of a travelled woman. Resonance has been lovingly remastered by S|ance Centre’s Brandon Hocura and given new artwork by M|tron Records’ label head Jack Hardwicke.