Five years ago we introduced Japanese composer and pianist Daigo Hanada and his stunning debut full-length Ichiru. Now he has announced the release of a new album called Satori which will be out on March 4th via Moderna Records.
According to the press release, His delicate and melodic piano compositions have developed slowly in recent years due to a sudden and debilitating physical illness which has meant numerous trips to the hospital and prolonged periods of uncertainty. Through the numerous setbacks and challenges, Hanada has managed to find hope (or rather, ‘hope has found me’).
One note at a time, he has crafted his most vulnerable and heart wrenching work to date. This collection of 13 pieces capture memories and experiences from his struggles where light shone through the darkness, when optimism took the day. These memories are not glossed over or sugarcoated – Hanada intimately and openly steers us through his uncertainty and melancholy, all the while generously guiding us towards the light. As the world continues to struggle with the pandemic and numerous tragedies, Hanada has dedicated this music to ‘people who are going through pain and suffering’. The beautifully recorded piano acts as our principal story teller, accompanied here and there by the ethereal harmonies of a reed organ.
Today we have the pleasure to share two new tracks called “Reflections I” and “Reflections II“. He explains: “These two tracks were originally one piece that evolved into two. Both of them capture the reflections in our eyes of the world today and how it feels, the new world with new habits which we are not so used to yet.”
Listen below.