20th anniversary Edition, made in japan, super deluxe. "If you know guitarist Tetuzi Akiyama, it's probably as one of the forefront players in modern Japanese improvisation. Along with Taku Sugimoto, Toshimaru Nakamura and Otomo Yoshihide, Akiyama has helped shaped the sound of Onkyo with his guitar-- in a scene largely heralded for its use of electronics, these musicians' use of a much more traditionally "rock" instrument shouldn't go unnoticed. Furthermore, along with Nakamura, Akiyama organizes a monthly "meeting" at the Off Site venue in Tokyo wherein many of the world's most interesting improvisers collaborate in a series of electro-acoustic performances. The third CD compilation of these performances was recently released, and will be of interest to anyone into modern improv and experimental electronic music.
Opener "It's a Boogie Thing" will have the hardline improv-geeks running for the hills, but all you closet ZZ Top fans need to go ahead and surrender now. Akiyama's devil-come-runnin' blues shuffle is practically an archetypical soundtrack to cruising Texas two-lane highways in an old pick-up as the sun burns your arm and bugs splatter against the windshield. The minimal, repetitive groove carries on without a care in the world, as if simply sitting back and reveling in the glory of a groove and a $35 amp is the height of sophistication. Tunes like "Doll House Shakin'" and "Dead Or..." proceed similarly, emphasizing an almost intimidating willingness to do absolutely nothing for minutes at a time other than worship a riff.
