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Kenso - Kenso II CD (album) cover

KENSO II

Kenso

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

4.09 | 79 ratings

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apps79
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars For the second Kenso album keyboardist Atsushi Makiuchi and bassist Matsumoto Kimiyoshi, who had been guest musicians on the debut, have been promoted to full-time members after the departure of bassist Tanaka Masayuki.The album was simply entitled ''Kenso II'' and was self-released in 1983.

For the first few albums the titles of Kenso's albums definitely lacked fantasy, but the main reason had to be that the band put all this fantasy into the compositions.So, this is again some excellent, frenetic and fiery Prog/Fusion albums with plenty of symphonic interruptions and impressive technique by the members.''Kenso II'' is another tremendous work filled with fascinating interplays and constant battles between the musicians, while here and there the mainly jazzy approach is supported by slight doses of Classical breaks and symphonic sections, driven by Makiuchi's deep keyboards and Yajima Shiro's high class flute-lines.The overall style recalls the best of FOCUS, AIN SOPH or FINCH, but noone can accuse Kenso for lacking identity, their music has this virtuosic Japanese touch, offered by this underrated Prog scene.The atmosphere delivered is full of dramatic passages and melodic solos with a top-notch rhythm section accompanying Shimizu Yoshihisa's Fusion-like guitars and the endless themes of the keyboard and flute players.

Yet another impressive work by Kenso.Adventurous, intricate and technical Symphonic/Fusion all the way.No less than highly recommended, especially if you find the CD reissues with the bonus tracks.

apps79 | 4/5 |

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