The unique Japanese female trio RinMana, Tomoca and Chiewas formed in 2003
after its three members graduated from Tokyos esteemed National University of
Fine Arts and Music. The essence of their ethereal, atmospheric sonic tapestry
is to fluidly combine the exotic and subtle sounds of traditional Japanese instruments
with a contrasting framework of contemporary western popular music. We are interested,
say the lovely ladies of Rin, in making Japanese music accessible to the American
ear. The thousand year spirit in our instruments has a soul that needs to be heard.
With their U.S. debut album Inland Sea on Domo Records, Rin unleashes that spirit
with beauty, drama and naturally graceful pop sensibilities. In a similar vein
to the cinematic, ambient techno of Zero 7--whose acclaimed albums Simple Things
(01) and When It Falls (04) also delicately layer ephemeral soundscapes with
mesmerizing vocalsRins music evokes a dream-state that is both soothing and
radiant. When famed music producer/artist Narada Michael Walden heard Rins distinctive
artistry live at their first-ever U.S. show at the Knitting Factory in New York
City in 2004, he commented that their, fusion of Japanese instruments and new
sounds is fresh and marvelous.
That accolade sets the stage for Inland Sea, which officially introduces Rin to
America. The disc was produced by music veteran Jimmy Harry, whose seasoned pop
sensibilities have driven albums by stars including Samantha Cole, Lisa Loeb,
Lindsay Lohan, Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. Harry also wrote or co-wrote
all of the albums eleven tracks, with stand-outs including Anti-Hero, featuring
Lisa Loeb crooning an infectious vocal that seamlessly blends into Rins instrumental
magic.
Other highlights include three enchantingly dreamlike tracks spotlighting vocals
by former Sixpence None The Richer lead singer Leigh Nash--New Day Rising, Never
Knew What Love Meant and Sea Of Tranquility. Citing other favorite cuts, Mana
and Tomoca both single out the plaintive and elegant Solemn, with Tomoca also
selecting AA170. Chie chimes in with a mention for the title track, a glistening
and reflective tone poem.
Besides the Loeb and Nash-embellished compositions, Rins own striking intermittent
vocals offer textural, often abstract brushstrokes in the groups rich aural landscapes.
Their musical virtuosity shines on age-old yet timeless Japanese instruments including
the Koto, a resonant stringed board zither, and its bass cousin, the Jushichigen.
The girls of Rin also excel on the Biwa, a form of short-necked lute; the Sangen,
a variation on the shamisen; and the Shakuhachi, a breathy, bamboo flute often
associated with Buddhist chants.
Rins steady career rise first began in early 2004 with the success of their debut
Japanese single, Sakitama. At home, theyve since released two full length studio
albums of original material, a concert album, an album interpreting Christmas
music and a live DVD. The trio has toured extensively in Japan and Asia, with
highlights including a January 2004 concert in Shanghai for the Japan China Cultural
Exchange Exhibit, a performance in October of that year at the John Lennon Music
Festival at the famous Nihon Budokan, a featured set at the globally minded 2005
World Exposition in Aichi, Japan and a 4-date tour in Mexico in October 05. Stateside,
Rin was the only act from Japan to play at 2004s 92nd National Cherry Blossom
Festival in Washington, DC, an annual celebration of Tokyos original gift of
3,000 cherry trees to the U.S. capital in 1912.
With influences ranging from the Beatles and the Carpenters to Destinys Child
and Japanese national treasure Kunie Fujii--a legend in the traditional musical
art of jiuta--Rin has a cross-cultural vision and dynamic creative expression
that is like no other. So far, says Rin, weve collaborated with J-pop, trance,
jazz and reggae. We continue to realize the many facets that our instruments reveal
to us depending on the style of music we are exploring. Western music has always
been a central and integral part of our lives, and we want to experience all the
untapped potentials that our instruments may hold.
Rin also plans to tour in support of Inland Sea, and eagerly await their first
full-scale U.S. concert itinerary: We like seeing the music expand in real time,
the sensitivity of our instruments blending with our present feelings and spreading
to the many people in the audience. Theres nothing more supreme than living in
the moment and taking in the smiles of the listeners.
Pronounced similarly to ring in English, Rin means clear cut and cool and
crisp in Japanese. Wa is the Japanese word for ring, and also has other associations
related to peace and harmony. The melding of these words and meanings, along with
Mana, Tomoca and Chies joint aspiration to create a full circlea ringthrough
music, led to their groups very fitting name. Experience the moment with Rin,
and discover their resonant music through the exquisite sonic depths of their
new album, Inland Sea.
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