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WRWTFWW Records has done the ambient music world a favor by reissuing the obscure yet masterful album ‘Quiet Logic,’ a collaboration between Haruomi Hosono, Mixmaster Morris, and Jonah Sharp. Originally released in 1997 exclusively in Japan through Hosono’s Daisyworld Discs, this album remained largely unnoticed by the broader chill-out music community. The album’s creation is shrouded in legend, with the story going that Morris and Sharp jammed in Hosono’s studio, leaving him to refine their improvisations into the transcendent tracks that make up the album.
Haruomi Hosono, a pivotal figure in Japanese music, was known for his innovative work as part of Yellow Magic Orchestra. By the 1990s, however, Hosono sought to move beyond the spotlight, diving deep into ambient music. He adopted various aliases and founded new labels to explore collaborations beyond his usual scope. This journey led him to collaborate with UK ambient pioneers Mixmaster Morris and Jonah Sharp.
Mixmaster Morris gained fame as a DJ who championed ambient chillout, providing a serene escape for ravers. Jonah Sharp, recording as Spacetime Continuum, shared a similar trajectory. Originally influenced by Chicago house and Detroit techno, Sharp’s music evolved into a slower, more contemplative form, perfect for chill-out rooms. Both Morris and Sharp shared Hosono’s eclectic taste, drawing from a vast array of genres and global influences.
When Morris and Sharp arrived at Hosono’s Quiet Lodge studio, they were given free rein to experiment. They worked opposite schedules, recording during the day while Hosono edited their work at night. This unique process is evident in the album’s title track, where a rich tapestry of drum samples, synthesized melodies, and kalimba-like tones create a playful yet serene soundscape.
The synergy between Morris and Sharp is palpable in tracks like “Uchu Yuei (Swimming in Space),” where they meticulously build rhythms that eventually culminate in dynamic drum patterns. Their collaborative energy reaches a pinnacle in “Waraitake,” a 14-minute odyssey of fluttering notes, digital glitches, and intense beats that push the boundaries of their previous works.
Hosono’s influence is most apparent in tracks like “Wakarimasen,” which features his voice layered with a haunting echo, creating an intense, almost oppressive atmosphere. The album’s closing track, “Dr. Gauss / Yakan Hiko (Night Flight),” brings the journey to a soothing end with its elastic rhythms and unsteady cadence, showcasing Hosono’s knack for balancing tranquility and tension.
Despite its innovative brilliance, ‘Quiet Logic’ remained under the radar upon its initial release. For Morris and Sharp, it was a chance to explore new sonic territories. For Hosono, it marked a transition as he sought fresh musical horizons. This reissue not only celebrates the album’s 25th anniversary but also reintroduces a significant piece of ambient music history to new listeners. ‘Quiet Logic’ stands as a testament to the collaborative genius of three legends at the height of their creative powers, offering a timeless journey through ambient soundscapes.
