Ivoryboat is a one-man band of sorts with Kenji Aramaki as the brainchild behind it all. Kenji is one of those very few multi-instrumentalists that has an amazing ability of creating music to sound like as if there was more musicians on board.
The main instrument of choice throughout the album is the guitar, accompanied by other instrumentations to flesh out each composition. The end result is a mixture of hard-edged progressive rock to orchestral symphonic based music. There's even a slight world music feel to the mix as well.
Upon various listens it’s obvious, to me, that each track is a mini concerto of sorts, especially on three part “Electric Guitar Concerto”. If there was ever a more beautiful collection on songs, it‘s all here on ‘Unnatural Gift’. It really needs to be noticed for many reasons such symphonic beauty and for it’s challenging and complex changes.
I think Kenji Aramaki will become a household name, sooner not later, among instrumental music fans, especially those of the progressive rock genre. I can see bigger and better things on the horizon for this amazing musician.
Ivoryboat's "Unnatural Gift" is without a doubt one of the lesser known treasures to have surfaces in 2006 and is a must have purchase for all true music fan’s collection.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on Novemeber 4th, 2006
