sung tales of sailors - kanata by baobab ⛵


In the vast landscape of Japanese folk music, few albums manage to capture with such delicacy and depth the essence of nostalgia and natural beauty as Kanata, the result of the collaboration between the duo baobab and musician Haruka Nakamura.
Released on December 13, 2019, this album feels suspended in time, offering a window into ethereal soundscapes and musical tales that speak directly to the soul ✨


photo of the Kanata CD bought on amazon.com


Kanata blends traditional Japanese folk with European influences, creating a unique and unmistakable sound. The name "Kanata" (かなた) in Japanese means "beyond" or "far away," and there could be no more fitting title to describe the sense of journey that permeates every track of the album 🍂




Kanata is an album where the sea and the forest meet, giving birth to a rare and beautiful auditory and visual experience ⛰️

The duo baobab, rooted in the forest of Caterina in Yamakawa, Oita Prefecture, draws inspiration from life in nature and craftsmanship, while Haruka Nakamura composes along his continuous journey. The fusion of these two worlds gives rise to a musical tale of the song of the sea and the forest, combining tradition and innovation.


photo of the Kanata CD inside


The album follows the flow of nature: it begins with the vast ocean and expands into the forest, telling a natural cycle that reflects the rhythm of a day. Every end is a new beginning: from dawn to the light filtering through the green, from shadows to sunset over the sea, to the silhouettes of trees emerging in the night. And still, the darkness gives way to the following morning ☀️


photo of the Kanata CD Back


Voices, guitar, fiddle, ancient instruments, percussion, and piano intertwine in melodies that flow like the very heartbeat of nature, evoking the journey of a sonic navigation 🎵

The photographs by Rinko Kawauchi, which adorn the cover and booklet, capture the beauty of two seasons – the beginning of summer and the height of winter – in the forest of Caterina. The images of the sea and nature blend with the lyrics of the songs, creating a poetic visual narrative that accompanies the music in a timeless dialogue.


photo of page 5-6 Kanata Booklet


The album consists of ten tracks, each representing a chapter of an evocative sonic journey:
  • Kanata – The opening track, which immediately sets the dreamlike tone of the album.
  • Fall – An autumnal melody that evokes the change and transience of the seasons.
  • Eien to Ichinichi – "Eternity and a day," a piece that seems suspended in time.
  • Yoru no Ki – "The tree of the night," a track that evokes the silence and mystery of the nighttime hours.
  • Sky Boat Song – A delicate interpretation of the famous Scottish melody, enriched with Japanese folk sounds.
  • Tsumugi – A musical intertwining that recalls the craft of weaving, symbolizing patience and dedication.
  • TRAD – A tribute to folk music tradition, with Celtic and Japanese influences.
  • Light of Dance – A light and bright track, inviting movement and contemplation.
  • Arashi no Atoni – "After the storm," a melancholic piece that conveys a sense of rebirth.
  • Catherina no Sanbika – A sweet and spiritual finale, like a hymn that closes an inner journey.

photo of page 1-2 Kanata Booklet


Each track flows with incredible cohesion, as if it were one uninterrupted journey. The soundscapes created by the intertwining of acoustic instruments and delicate atmospheres provide the listener with an immersive and profoundly emotional experience ⭐


photo of page 8-9 Kanata Booklet


Kanata is an album to be listened to without haste, perhaps during a walk or while observing the sky. You can experience it as a refuge for those seeking moments of tranquility and contemplation 🌤️


photo of page 9-10 Kanata Booklet


For those who appreciate artists like Haruka Nakamura, Ichiko Aoba, or Takagi Masakatsu, baobab represents a rare gem in the world of Japanese folk music. Kanata is an invitation to slow down, to let the music carry you, and to lose yourself in a world of delicate sounds and timeless stories 📖


photo of page 3-4 Kanata Booklet


If you haven’t listened to it yet, do it now!!!

- onaisit     

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