Kang Tae Hwan Trio (Hwan, Kawabata, Yoshimitsu) - Love Time

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1. Love Time

"Debut release by the trio of Kang Tae Hwan, Makoto Kawabata, and Ichiraku Yoshimitsu. Group leader Hwan is an under-documented alto player from Korea who has recorded for Japanese Victor and DIW, played at Moers, toured Japan a few times, and collaborated with Gerry Hemingway and Otomo Yoshihide, among others. Active since the 70's, Hwan's discography also includes several CD's of solo alto improvisations and a duo CD with Tuvan vocalist Sainkho Namtchylak. More recently he has been collaborating with Alfred Harth during Harth's residency in Seoul. Percussionist Yoshimitsu is well-traveled in both improv and rock circles, having been a member of Omoide Hatoba and a frequent collaborator with heavyweights like Otomo Yoshide and Haco. The inescapable Makoto Kawabata is best known for his Deep Purple-style rock as a member of Acid Mothers Temple, but on his own he has produced a string of subtle, elegiac solo CD's, performing on guitar, organ, electronics, etc.

More minimalist than free jazz, Love Time centers on Hwan's long circular tones, avoiding common free-alto styles in favor of a roughly-hewn clarion approach. Kawabata and Yoshimitsu shadow Hwan subtly on sarangi and bowed percussion. The music gradually builds to a crescendo, with Kawabata switching to guitar and Yoshimitsu moving to the drum kit. An atmospheric and understated work."