Ito, Teiji (soundtrack) – “Music For Maya: Early Film Music of Teiji Ito” – [Tzadik]

Cousin Mary   7/8/2014   CD, Soundtrack

Really interesting multi-cultural film music composed by Teiji Ito for the films of his then-wife, avant garde film maker Maya Deren. This covers all music composed by Ito for Deren from their 1952 meeting outside a five and dime (where she hired him on the spot at the age of 17) until her death in 1961 0f a cerebral hemorrhage. All music was composed, performed, and recorded in the studio they shared, and hits many countries from Japan (with kabuki theatre being a major influence), China, Korea, Spain, plus African and Western influences. He also touches on jazz and a little bit of electronics. He plays all the instruments and it’s quite amazing what he was able to accomplish here all before the age of 27. There are two discs full of great stuff here, so put on your traveling hat, because it’s quite a journey. Also, check out the liner notes if you can, because there is a lot of fascinating backstory plus an interview between Ito and Deren.

-Cadillac Margarita