TEN KAI [AKA: ASTRAL VOYAGE / ASTRAL TRIP]

Far East Family Band was about to quit when Kitaro released his first solo album. Despite nbeing instrumental, it has a concept. Not unusual. Also Camel's Snow Goose is an instrumental concept album.

So Kitaro follows the story of the astral voyages of Tenkai: a buddhist monk of the 16th century. There are percussion end ethic instruments like koto and shakuhachi. I know their names because are in the tone bank of my Korg. There are, of course, keyboards and flute.

Kitaro is still far from becoming a newage icon, and this album has a strong connection with the psychedelia of his previuos band. The hypnotic drop and the gongs of "Mu" are an example.

Of all the tracks, "Fire" would be enough to classify Kitaro as a prog artist. Many years ago I've been surprised by his "Dream", featuring Jon Anderson and a Gilmourish guitarist. "Fire" contains already hints of that symphonic side of Kitaro.

The far eastern mood can remind to Vangelis and his "China", released one year after, but Tenkai is more complex and features real instruments, not just keyboards and sequencers. This album, in particular the second half, and in particular "Kaiso", is a mystic trip to the ancient Japan, and an excellent addition for prog-addicts' collections.