Fukuda's latest re-lease, "Chopin" on the Denon label, consists of arrangements of some of Chopin's piano composi-tions by F. Tarrega, with some of Tarrega's own pieces thrown in. Fran-cisco Tarrega was a guitarist and composer who lived in the late 19th century and is considered to be one of the founders of the classical guitar, as we have come to know it today. He is also known for that famous piece of music "Recuerdos de la Alhambra". I must admit I was skeptical on seeing this release because I found it difficult to imagine works by Chopin adapting well to the guitar but I was soon convinced. With these compelling performances, one soon forgets that they were written for the piano. Fukuda manages to skillfully shape the dynamics for the restricted range of the guitar and with his beautiful and emotional crafting of the melody lines, brings these pieces to life.

    A very musical and engaging performer, it is also worth trying to catch Shin-ichi Fukuda in one of his many recitals that he gives in Tokyo during the year.

    Violinist, Iwao Furusawa, has just released a CD with the Brazilian guitar duo, Sergio and Odair Assad. "Rendez-Vous" on Sony, contains a selection of arrangements from mainly movie themes and includes Pink Floyd's "The Wall". Furusawa is well known in Japan for his performances with the group "Typhoon" as well as his recording of "Une Soiree de Violin", which sold over 150,000 CD's, a rather rare event here. The Assad brothers are also no strangers to this country. Sergio Assad wrote the music to the Japanese film Summer Garden/The Friends, which was also performed by the brothers. One of their most notable releases though, must be "Alma Brasileira", a wonderful collection of compositions and arrangements for two guitars of music from Brazil.

    On first glance this pairing looks ideal, however, in reality something seems to be missing. The Assad brothers are a very intense duo usually performing music from South America, which they do better than most. They use the tonal and dynamic range of their guitars to the utmost, creating very riveting performances. On this release, even though the arrangements, all by Sergio Assad, are very well crafted, there seems to be a lack of cohesion between the violinist and the guitars. I find the way the guitars have been recorded here, leave them more in the role of accompanists, which is unfortunate as the arrangements beg for a more equal role with the violinist. A disappointing release from world-class musicians.

    Another performer whose recent release has been selling extremely well, and is probably still displayed on the Top Selling CD racks in major stores, is the jazz violinist, Naoko Terai's "Thinking of You".

    Kenny Baron caught one of her performances and few years back that resulted in her appearing on his Verve release "Things Unseen". This latest recording has Terai interpreting works by O. Nelson, C Parker, Gershwin and F, Hubbard, as well as some of her own compositions. Backed up with piano/synthesizers, bass and drums, this release captures Terai's wonderful tone and singing quality of her playing. There is an intensity and such a feeling of enjoyment. The listener can't help but get caught up in her enthusiasm with the music that she is performing. Well worth listening to.

by Peter Miles
pmiles@gol.com