“Shizuka," is a captivating masterpiece from the harmonious collaboration of Dan Whitehouse and Max ZT, invites you to immerse yourself in the ethereal realms woven by their album "Ten Steps."
Like a gentle breeze that traverses the sprawling landscapes of Japan, "Shizuka" captures the essence of quietude that harmonizes with both the idyllic countryside and the vibrant pulse of bustling cities. Through the delicate interplay of melodies, a musical dialogue unfolds, revealing the profound connection between distant realms.
Recorded amidst the contrasting rhythms of Tokyo and New York City, this enchanting composition becomes a bridge between cultures, uniting Eastern mystique and Western allure. Dan Whitehouse's soul-stirring compositions blend seamlessly with Max ZT, creating a symphony that dances between tranquility and exuberance.
Shizuka will transport you to a realm where time stands still, where cherry blossoms sway in harmonious cadence, and where the whispers of contemplation resonate within. Embark on this melodic voyage and discover the exquisite beauty that lies at the intersection of cultures, as you surrender to the enchanting embrace of "Shizuka."
Dan: Shizuka means quiet in Japanese (it can also be a name); it’s about the gentle, soft glow of the low-hanging sun here, and how this matches the restrained, polite culture of their everyday exchanges and behaviour.
Due to an ear injury, I was landlocked in Japan for 18 months and found myself on a journey into Japanese culture. Out walking at Tokyo Bay, I encountered a group of people that would congregate at sunrise, face the sun and sing to it as it rose, no words but a distinctive sounding scale – I was on a zoom call to Max at the time, who immediately identified this as the Insen scale.
Max: It’s a raga called Shivrangani, the Indian form of the Japanese scaled Insen – Insen is what they were singing. The Insen scale has this dark tri-tone – an interval that used to be called the devil’s chord they used to execute people for composing with this chord! It’s the note in between a perfect 4th and perfect 5th, so even though it has this unease, it still has this hope-filled suspension. I think we bonded over the ‘tense but hopeful suspension’ feelings you get from ‘The Devil’s Chord’.
Review by Thomas Imposter