Aki Onda - Don't Say Anything (EWE, 2002)

A slight break in form from Onda's Cassette Memories work, at times swapping out field recorded moments for real instruments. Onda sampled or taped trumpet by Steven Bernstein, tuba by Marcus Rojas, string work from David Fiuczynski and Eyvind Kang, and the percussion of Yoichi Okabe, Yasuhiro Yoshigaki, Jyoji Sawada, and Kumiko Takara, then reconstructed, laying out the pieces in a manner similar to his other work. Onda based the overall vibe of the work on his the perceived intimacy and obsession in the photographs of French poet Pierre Louÿs, with Onda hoping the capture the transporting qualities of the photos. Save for a lull in "Mellow" due largely to shockingly uninspired sound selection, the pieces unravel in a very inviting way and capture the attention. Kang's rich violin overtones on "Dance" and the percussive outburst the closes "Naked" would certainly make the highlights reel.

Don't Say Anything

Aki Onda - Cassette Memories

For many years now, Aki Onda has been among the many proponents of the resurrection of the cassette. One of his most noted contributions to this cause is his Cassette Memories series of performances and recordings. Culled from two decades worth of sound diaries, Onda has taken to re-constructing and re-imagining personal and public memories through his cassette collages, in essence producing an improvised reality. He has resigned himself to site-specific solo performances, reserved for spaces with their own specific memory. This makes for a synergistic effect where, in his own words, "Memories make memories."



Onda thus far has produced two entries in his recorded Cassette Memories series. Their shape is more meticulously crafted than his performances. When recording, Onda is able to cover several years worth of tapes and subsequently memories in a matter of seconds, though he is often more inclined to juxtapose several memories and let imagination take hold.

Aki Onda - Ancient & Modern: Cassette Memories Vol. 1
Phonomena Audio Arts & Multiples, 2003
Liner notes

Aki Onda - Bon Voyage!: Cassette Memories Vol. 2.
Improvised Music from Japan, 2003
Liner notes