The Essential Kitaro

Kitaro is undeniably one of the best known and most accomplished artists in new age music. Over the course of his 30 year career, he has sold millions of albums, won a Grammy award, scored motion pictures and for the stage, taken a pilgrimage to some of Japan's holiest temples and recorded in locations previously off limits to other artists. His sound, which swings from bombastic synthesized drama to graceful flute solos, is highly characteristic of the artist, especially his swooping synthesizer sounds which are reminiscent of an electric erhu, and his lush spacey soundscapes which elevate traditional Asian music to an entirely different and unique level. This greatest hits collection covers many different facets of Kitaro's career, including earlier material like his signature hit "Theme from Silk Road" and more recent offerings, such as a few tracks from his "Journey of Ku-Kai" albums and a cut from his soundtrack to the Broadway production "Cirque Ingenieux."