Album Review—Dreaming Northern

An Enticing Journey with Masako through Glistening Northern Soundscapes

In her ninth album, “Dreaming Northern”, Masako has created a compelling testament to the art of modern instrumental music. Though most reviews would classify this album under the New Age genre, we see it as a rich blend of solo piano, classical-inspired chamber arrangements, subtle synthesizers, and organic textures that transport us to a northern landscape. The theme of the album stems from Masako’s deep personal affinity for the north, characterized by cool air, endless woods, crystalline snow, and an introspective mood that the entire setting evokes in us. While a lot of people long for the warmth of the south, Masako says her body and soul find it a pleasure to thrive in the northern environment. From this innate inspiration, the album earns its authority and cohesion. Each track feels like a meditative narrative, delivered gracefully, which is the hallmark of Masako’s musical works. 

The artist and the creative process

Masako’s journey with music is an inspiring story. She is a classically trained pianist from Japan who started her musical life at age four. Before moving to the United States, she performed jazz, rock, and classical music in Tokyo’s live scene. From her album notes, we learn that the northern regions bestowed her greatest physical and spiritual comfort, becoming the constant source of her inspiration. Such a deep affinity becomes the sole inspiration for this album.

She has been collaborating with Grammy-winning guitarist and producer Will Ackerman and multi-instrumentalist Tom Eaton since 2011. “Dreaming Northern” was recorded at Ackerman’s legendary Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont. In fact, Ackerman himself calls Masako’s work “the holy grail of recording and production”.

The collaboration with the other instrumentalists for this album looks highly thoughtful and we see the team contributing to Masako’s compositional vision in a brilliant way. The ensemble richly gains from the expertise of Will Ackerman on guitar, Tom Eaton on synthesizer and bass (and recording, mixing, mastering), Eugene Friesen (cello), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Premik Russell Tubbs (EWI), Michael Manring (bass), Jeff Haynes (percussion), and Noah Wilding (vocals).

An enticing and intimate album of northern dreams

Listening to Dreaming Northern feels like walking through silent woods just after a snowfall, or standing on a ridge swept by winds, watching drifting clouds. The music comes alive like a painting, giving us an impression that Masako is not just composing tunes, but creating sonic landscapes. In each piece, we see humility and patience. Each of the tracks blooms, taking its own time without rushing. The production shines through with an unmatchable clarity.

Throughout the album, her piano remains at the centre stage of the production. The ensemble’s contribution adds a gentle expansiveness that makes the album a rich listening experience. As a result, we find a perfect balance in the creative process. Masako’s thoughtful and philosophical approach to composition helps achieve a real human experience for any listener.

1. Mamabear Dreams (03:36)

Inspired by the image of mother bears emerging from hibernation with their cubs, this track sports a tender, nurturing quality. In these notes, Masako draws parallels between wildlife and human motherhood, acknowledging the adventure and challenge of raising children. The piano melodies are warm and uplifting.

2. One by One (04:10)

This piece reflects on Masako’s own life as a working mother who learned to manage endless responsibilities. The piano sounds fluid yet deliberate, highlighting the importance of slowing down is important in life. The phrase, “A meditative acceptance of life’s multiplicity,” helps us understand and appreciate the intent behind the track.

3. Our Bluebird Day (05:37)

The third track is named after a perfect blue-sky day after a storm. I found this piece a highlight in the album. Music from piano, synthesizer, cello, EWI, and percussion combines to create a gleaming, orchestral atmosphere. The music is grateful, hopeful, and expansive. I wish to commend it with this remark, “It is a true ode to nature’s restorative power”.

4. But It is Life (05:02)

In this song, we get to perceive Masako’s growing interest in band-like arrangements. The skilled interplay of the ensemble makes this piece an interesting one. Despite an expertly crafted creative work steering the movement of the song, we find it simplistic, inviting, and easy-going.

5. Love Beyond (04:00)

This is the most powerful track in the album, imbued with the weight of inspiring human emotions. Jeff Oster heightens the impact of this piece on his flugelhorn, lending a hauntingly beautiful opening and closing. In the middle section, Will Ackerman and Noah Wilding add depth and contrast. Wearing a cinematic sweep, the piece remains an intimate testament to an inspired collaboration.

6. Stairs in the Sky (04:50)

The sixth one is a lush and layered track which showcases Eugene Friesen’s cello and Charlie Bisharat’s violin. We see these two maestros blending seamlessly. The interplay of strings adds earthiness as well as soaring grace, adding depth to the carefully sculpted piece.

7. My Old Abbey (03:59)

This track carries a deeply personal reflection of Masako’s thoughts on becoming a nun during her teens. The music is contemplative as well as nostalgic. Its gentle melodic lines feel like remembering customary prayers.

8. Shape of the Clouds (03:04)

Masako describes seeing lenticular clouds in New Hampshire, which look like stacked UFOs above mountains. The piano sounds gentle, allowing Tom Eaton’s synthesizer to add a misty, atmospheric layer to it. This track truly sounds like watching clouds change their shapes and drift in the vast skies, inspiring meditation.

9. October Children (04:10)

This piece celebrates the joyful sound of children playing. Eugene Friesen and Charlie Bisharat come back here to add warmth and color. The strings dance around Masako’s piano, sounding like a lively conversation. The music is heartfelt and affectionate, sounding like it appreciates the importance of innocence and playfulness in life.

10. Dancing in the Snow (04:12)

This piece is a piano solo that perfectly captures snowfall’s different phases in a light and crystal clear fashion. The subtle narrative shimmering through the music rewards the listeners, inspiring them with the sense of wonder she finds in her snow country life.

11. Between the Two Trees (02:03)

This song is an impressionistic miniature inspired by two old trees standing together in a field. Through its personal example of surviving storms and returning to its lively stature after every storm, the trees teach us some profound lessons about withstanding the odds of life.

12. Agiochook (04:51)

Named after the native Abenaki word for Mount Washington, which means “The Place of the Great Spirit,” this closing piece is a mystic creation that wears a cinematic elegance in its appeal. The notes say that Masako chose not to play piano here at all, letting Tom Eaton, Premik Russell Tubbs, and Noah Wilding collaborate on a haunting, spiritual soundscape.

Takeaway

The impression I carry about the team’s musical abilities after listening to Dreaming Northern is phenomenal. I am highly struck by Masako’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. Her piano sounds elegant and simple at the same time. The arrangements are rich and not crowded. The supporting musicians help with their astounding teamwork to bring out the best in her compositions.

In a world that feels too loud and fast, the album’s theme of northern solace, of finding beauty in quiet landscapes and snowy days, feels incredibly timely. The high level of musicianship evident in the composition is truly commendable, which makes this album not just a musical work but a deep human experience, inspiring the values of gratitude, introspection, and love for nature. If you have always cherished a love for music that speaks to your soul, this is a must-listen album you will admire from the bottom of your heart.