2002-12 – リズムのくに – Rhythm no kuni

The Country of Rhythm (2002 December)
(Sequel to the theme, Brazil)
- Translated by Kyoko
- Thanks to Thomas for providing the translation

I’ve felt that I don’t like so much kinds of music that make us feel hot. To be honest, those musics are the same for me. The reason why I came to Brazil and record is just I’ve wanted to go to the place which is in opposite side to Japan with the earth. If I didn’t have such a job, it’s impossible to have such a chance going to Brazil.

So I haven’t any knowledge about their music. At the studio they were trying to play “shuffle” which is a bouncing music like jazz. But suddenly they stopped playing. The musicians can’t play that rhythm. I thought why it’s impossible for them. Then one musician who only can speak English among them told me that there isn’t such rhythm in Brazil. If they can’t group that music by their body, they can’t even imitate that music. “Shuffle” is as well. How simple their bodies are! They can’t shake hips with thinking by heads.

On the other hand, their peculiar rhythm is so vivid and exquisite. So I wondered how and when I should join to play the piano. From piano room, I was looking at the man playing the percussion from behind. His back is bending like a horse’s back. I tried to have instruments. They were much heavier than Japanese ones because of thick wood and skins. The function of backbone is to make brood. But also to make rhythm. I found that and was looking them with my mouse opening.

People in the country of music.

One reason that I came here is because I know a woman, a great Brazilian singer songwriter. When I listened her song for the first time, in a few seconds, I thought I’d like to play with her. Elegant, intelligent, and glossy voice can’t let us imagine that she will be a grandmother soon. I was very looking forward to hear she’s going to sing my song.

However. Just two days before recording day, her mother died. I thought of course recording would be cancelled. She has to prepare for the funeral. Even though, she came to the studio on time for me, for the person whom she hasn’t met before. To sing my song…

When she was entering to the room, she managed to walk by being helped by her husband. The sadness made it black around her eyes. (As you know, this week I had sadness and couldn’t have enough time to practice. But it’s OK, I’ll practice from now) Firstly she said so. She was a professional! I gave her a little trivial toy I brought from Japan that runs by batteries. All other musicians also paid attention to her the toy’s “legs” can put various part of the body, and depends on the “legs”, the toy moves in various ways. She immediately flicked the switch and responded to the toy’s funny moving sounds. And with that sound, she began singing. As it were natural.

This is the people in the country of music… If Japanese were in her situation, it’s difficult to group with their body. Usually they can’t move because of sadness. They play rhythms when even they are sad as well as happy. Always with bossa nova rhythm. To soothe, to dance, every time. Seeing I felt.