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Although I'm not deep into Japanese folklore, I've heard that foxes possess magical powers that they use to trick and bewitch unsuspecting people. In the Marvel multiverse, I wonder whether any particular fox through magic or mutant genes evolved over centuries into a sentient and sapient super genius for good or evil. But I'll leave any other thoughts on this to Doctor Strange or The Watcher.
I get similar vibes when I listen to jazz pianist Ichiko Hashimoto's（橋本一子）"Kitsune" (Fox) from her 1984 or 1985 album "Beauty" (I opted for 1985 in Labels). Yes, I did say jazz pianist although "Kitsune" is obviously on the line between technopop and avant-gardism. "Kitsune" is indeed a glacially haunting piece with a rhythm and Hashimoto's own voice lending to a mesmerizing aural experience akin to a meditation session. It's almost as if the Marvel fox has evolved itself out of time and treats it as a wind chime. Would like to hear some of her other tracks from "Beauty".
Hashimoto hails from Kobe and aside from her music work which includes singing and composing, she has also acted on TV, movies and anime. When Akiko Yano（矢野顕子）had to go on maternity leave, she filled in for her on keyboards during Yellow Magic Orchestra's domestic tour back in 1980, so perhaps the arrangement in "Kitsune" and perhaps "Beauty" was influenced by her time with the band. Below is her album "Mood Music" from 1987.
Weird coincidence -- I was listening to her Beauty album just last night. It's an odd mix with straight piano pieces sitting beside tracks that are more avant/techno (with those varying from moody like "Kitsune" to others that are more upbeat).
ReplyDeleteHello, Robert. I haven't seen this in a while but "Kitsune" has soared in the view count to 50 in the five hours it's been up. Usually at this point, the average KKP article might reach about 30.
DeleteI find Ichiko Hashimoto's "Kitsune" to be an intricate composition that showcases the perfect harmony between tradition and modernity, much like its folklore-inspired title. I am guessing that for a lot of people the word fox, "Kitsune," evokes the mysterious, mischievous, and transformative aspects of these spirits in folklore. I think this duality is beautifully captured in the piece—a blend of playful elements intertwined with deeper enigma and creates a unique atmosphere that combines introspective moments with gentle whimsy, reflecting its mythical inspiration. Layered textures and evolving dynamics lead listeners on a journey filled with subtle shifts, mirroring the unpredictable nature of kitsune folklore. The heart of "Kitsune" seems to me to be in its meticulously crafted piano melody, with Hashimoto's classical training evident in her precise and nuanced phrasing. Her jazz influences lend the melody a spontaneous, almost improvisational touch. Although the piano is a central voice, electronic textures and ambient sounds subtly weave their way throughout the track. The fusion of acoustic and electronic elements results in a timeless yet contemporary soundscape that highlights Hashimoto's innovative compositional approach. This unique blend offers a reflective yet wonder-filled listening experience that connects both past and present, myth and modernity. In other words this would be great BGM for a Ghibli film.
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