Gaia
Inspired by the centuries-old Onbashira Matsuri (Pillar Festival) in Japan,Gaia Onbashirais an ambitious work of programmatic (that is, inspired by an outside, non-musical event) music that combines ancient percussion and wind instruments with a modern approach and some excellent synthesizer work. This ambition is most fully realized on the two-part "Yamadashi," which progresses steadily from a low-key beginning to rhythmic, taiko-style drumming and singing. This progression from simple beginnings to more and more complex musical structures is a feature on this album; the only real exception is "Kiotoshi," which has a classical-style concerto construction. Kitaro's sweeping, cinematic style is impressive and often enchanting; one is often left wondering what would happen if he had a full orchestra to work with. --Genevieve Williams