The 1996 album "Layers of Time" saw Megadrums further refine their distinctive fusion of electronic jazz and ambient soundscapes. The album showcases a more intricate and atmospheric approach compared to earlier works.
- "Layers of Time" was released on Intuition, a label known for its adventurous electronic and jazz releases. The album features collaborations with several notable jazz musicians, though their specific contributions are not detailed in all records. It was released during a period of significant growth in the electronic music scene, with jazz artists increasingly experimenting with new technologies.
- The album was recorded over a period of 18 months at Kawai's studio in Tokyo. Guests on the album included jazz trumpeter Masato Honda and percussionist Koki Itabashi. The album charted moderately on the UK jazz charts, peaking at number 17.
- "Layers of Time" is often cited as an influential work in the development of the downtempo and ambient jazz subgenres. Its intricate programming and unconventional song structures distinguished it from much of the electronic music being released at the time. The release was accompanied by a minimalist music video for the track "Tokyo Dawn," which received moderate airplay on music television channels.
Megadrums is the electronic jazz project of producer Kenji Kawai. Kawai used this project to explore the intersection of traditional Japanese music and modern electronic production.
Tracklist
