Sachiko Kanenobu – Fork In The Road

If you’re properly tuned into the more recent documenting of ‘70s Japanese folk-rock (see: LiTA’s reissues, Aquarium Drunkard, Torn & Frayed) then chances are you’ve come across the incredible record Misora by Sachiko Kanenobu. It’s a folk masterpiece, produced by Haruomi Hosono, that endures to this day as one of the best singer-songwriter albums of the ‘70s. Following its release Kanenobu relocated to California and took time away from music, though she was encouraged to return to songwriting at the urging of her friend, legendary author Philip K. Dick. Kanenobu released a couple of albums throughout the ‘90s, including an alternate version of this album, Fork In The Road. With a gathered ensemble of players, including Isato Nakagawa who’d played on Misora, and producer Koichi Matsuda, she carved out an excellent album that graced far too few ears.

Last year, Kanenobu revisited the album, along with Makoto Kubota (Les Rallizes Dénudés, Sunset Gang) as producer, inviting several new players to help reform and refresh the album’s songs. Paired with members of Kikagaku Moyo, alongside Steve Gunn, Carwyn Ellis, Daichi Ito (Haruomi Hosono, SAKEROCK), and percussionist Asa-Chang, the new version of Fork In The Road revives the original’s vibrant songwriting while updating some of the arrangements. The new version blends takes from the archived recording session alongside newly added parts for an album that lights up Kanenobu’s catalog. The new version is out now on CD and LP, and in a serendipitous turn of events, Kanenobu is also pairing the release with a few East Coast tour dates, a true rarity. If you’re in one of these areas in October, don’t hesitate to head out.