“Beginning” is, appropriately enough, the world-wide solo debut by Japanese percussionist Mari Sekine. She has been active since 2000 with numerous groups and artists, as well as providing music for the theatre. This latter experience is particularly in evidence throughout this piece, with its dramatic shifts and changing scenery, forming a very visual and evocative music with over fifteen percussion instruments entering and leaving the stage in their various roles. Sekine’s voice also takes a turn as a hauntingly benevolent melodic ghost. Fans of Midori Takada will find much to enjoy here, and her use of a wide range of instruments evokes Naná Vasconcelos. The propulsive rhythms and melodies will please admirers of balearic grooves, Steve Reich and Roland P. Young. Also on offer here is a funky remix by German DJ/producer Lena Willikens, accentuating the tribal elements inherent in the original. Formats: digital download, CD, 12” vinyl single.

Mastering: Takuto Kuratani (Ruv Bytes)
Special thanks: Tomoe Ura

関根真理（せきね・まり）プロフィール：
大学で打楽器に触れ、卒業後活動を開始。JAZZ FUNKバンド等の活動を経て、2000年よりビックバンド「渋さ知らズ」に参加。現在他に、西川郷子（ex.上々颱風）『星ノ飛ブ夜』、遠藤ミチロウ（ex.THE STALIN）『THE END』、打楽器集団『Orquesta Nudge! Nudge!』その他セッションなどで活動中。演劇作品での活動も多く、串田和美演出『コーカサスの白墨の輪』『天日坊』『三人吉三』『切られの与三』、ヤン・ジョンウン演出『ペール・ギュント』、演劇集団「風煉ダンス」の『まつろわぬ民』『泥リア』等に参加。