Shockingly back to Mushi Widmaier with My World [limited time only]

OK, back to work on the blog... but keep the requests coming, if you have any.

I can't post this too long as it appears the artist is entirely behind it.  It is available on some sources online (streaming) though has been difficult to obtain in cd format, and perhaps it's even impossible now.

And that's unfortunate because the music here is really, really beautiful.  It's clearly, without a doubt, the same composer as the one we all loved in Mushi et Lakansyel.  (Of course, it's not quite as good, sorry to say, but it comes close.)  First of all note that it came out in 2006, 23 years behind.  There is the same passionately intense tropical warmth, delicate nuances and original chords and Brazilian-influenced pop songwriting. You can get an idea from youtube, where it seems all or most of the album can be listened to.  I will then refer to the songs as posted there and hopefully they will remain up there for some time for you all to hear, otherwise, I can add links if requested.

The highlight is without a doubt the duet Laren Chandel, available here.  This is really beautiful and of course very romantic music, as you'd expect from a two-sexed duet. Technically speaking, many of the chord progressions used, especially the chromatically descending patterns are quite indebted here to Jobim's more elaborate compositions, like Eu Te Amo or Luiza both of which resemble this song not a little.  Same can be said about the other standout song, Lanmou Sa'a, with just Mushi singing.

I thought the ending of the song To You, Cecci was very reminiscent of Claus Ogerman, shockingly.  The intro is more generically 'pretty piano' style with some very cliche jazz piano patterns, but when he brings in the 'fake orchestra' with (digital keyboard) strings and proceeds to solo with the right hand all around the other instruments, which include some delicate horns in the background to the string section, the composition really takes off.  It's hard to believe he's not influenced here by Ogerman based on the really clever chords the strings are playing behind him and the depth of the different scores given to the instruments (most likely parts improvised by him on the spot though).  Even that high treble clef piano solo is just gorgeously tender and evocative.

A wonderful 'sequel' to the amazing 1983 Kote Ou...  begs to be better known...