Kitaro

Kitaro
a.k.a. Masanori Takahashi

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MY FAVORITE THINGS

Kitaro
Since 1972 -- when he heard a synthesizer for the first time in his life -- Kitaro has been exploring the possibilities of unlimited sound. He's still pushing the boundaries, using cutting-edge technology to create a unique synthesis of traditional Asian instruments, nature sounds, and vibrations evocative of the Far East. Spacey tones swoosh like Samurai swords; ambient hums float in the air like incense. The Japanese composer just released his BEST OF KITARO, VOL. 2. We caught up with him while he was preparing for his latest spectacular tour -- Kitaro's impressive percussion ensemble and laser light display are always crowd pleasers -- and asked about his musical preferences.

barnesandnoble.com: What album changed your life?

Kitaro: It is more accurate to say an instrument and an individual who, together, changed my life. In the early '70s my entire musical focus took a new direction after I met Klaus Schulze, who introduced me to a wonderful "new" machine -- the synthesizer. Klaus was an innovator who was then with Tangerine Dream. Through this instrument, I could create what I call sound pictures and others have called "music of the mind." Prior to my experience with the synthesizer, I enjoyed playing the guitar and various keyboard instruments, but the synthesizer opened an entirely new universe of sound to me.

bn: What album do you wish you had played on?

Kitaro: That's a difficult question. I have had the pleasure of working with the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart on the LIGHT OF THE SPIRIT album and with Jon Anderson of Yes fame on DREAM. Those experiences made me think it might have been musically interesting to work with the early rock musicians here in the States. As most music aficionados know, I have a love for large orchestral settings. With that in mind, it would have been tremendous to pack up my synthesizer and a portable studio and play with Mozart, maybe on his opera "The Magic Flute." Since that isn't possible, I would have enjoyed playing keyboards in a Beatles session -- or on Humble Pie's "Smokin'."

bn: What's the sexiest album ever made?

Kitaro: Music is so personal. What is "sexy" for one person may not be for another. In that silly comedic movie "10," they play Ravel's "Bolero" to feel romantic. For me, at times, classical music is sexy, but depending on how I'm feeling, the blues might be more tantalizing. Miles Davis's KIND OF BLUE might be appropriate at some times. For those who like to let loose, I'd suggest Parliament's THE CLONES OF DR. FUNKENSTEIN.

bn: Who have you fallen in love with based solely on their album cover?

Kitaro: I wouldn't say fallen in love. But I do enjoy nature scenes. My hobby is photography, specifically outdoor shots of breathtaking views, amazingly colorful sunsets, or animals. My fascination with artists who share my love for nature is immense; the photograph of charging wild horses on the album cover of Bob Seger's AGAINST THE WIND is very interesting. Image-wise, I always seem to return to my true love, which is nature and Mother Earth. Having said that, the young lady on the cover of the Al DiMeola Project's KISS MY AXE and the #1'S album cover from Mariah are enticing.

bn: What's your favorite classical record?

Kitaro: As mentioned earlier, I would have loved to have a session with my synthesizer and Mozart. But Handel's "Water Music" and Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" are unique pieces.

bn: What are your favorite books about music?

Kitaro: So many, so many. Books about artists, musical techniques, counterpoint, poetry, Chinese instruments, Asian instruments. I love to read them all. Good reading for the young surfer who would like to have a career in music is THIS BUSINESS OF MUSIC. It is important to learn about this industry before you jump in feet first.

Awards & Nominations