Katsumi Horii Project -- Through The Sky

Looks like this will be my second sophomore article for another City Pop musician tonight. The inaugural article was just a little over a year ago for the Katsumi Horii Project's（堀井勝美PROJECT）"Skyscraper" from 1993, a musical tribute to the hustle and bustle of downtown in the city.

A few nights ago, I found an earlier number created by Horii from his June 1988 3rd album "Ocean Drive" called "Through The Sky" that's also quite a treat to hear. It starts out dreamily enough but then jumps like an enthusiastic diver flying from a cliff into the sea into a guitar riff and smacking drumbeats reminiscent of Toshiki Kadomatsu（角松敏生）which ought to garner some appreciation from his fans.

But then comes this elegant piano-and-harmonica combo which takes things from the ocean and back to the outdoor hotel lounge for some refreshing drinks. However, the electric guitar isn't cowed by this and is more than happy to come back along with the piano and harmonica. As you can imagine, compared to the later "Skyscraper", this is more of a Resort Pop tune. I've always had a soft spot for a well-placed harmonica ever since I first heard the late Toots Thielemans.