Yuji Oniki is a rarity in today's musical landscape: A truly unique songwriter, arranger, and performer, his extensive musical background begins well over a decade ago, with a sound culled from influences as diverse as Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, and 80's new wave. Despite, or perhaps because of his varied past, Yuji's new CD, 'Tvi' (his second since his debut 'Orange' on Future Farmer) showcases his talents in a most accomplished and original way. Along with his Oakland, California based band, he recruited an impressive cast of friends and peers from such luminaries as Guided by Voices, and Beulah (both of which contributed to 'Orange'), as well as the much respected Japanese experimental bands Rovo, and Sakana. The logistics of recording this project would seem arduous at best. Yuji, however, unencumbered by things such as time zones and oceans, did what he had to make the record he envisioned. The end result is a beautiful, sprawling, pop masterpiece. The approach he took is one very rarely seen in recording. This is definitely not a solo project or perhaps it is, albeit unlike any solo project ever done. Here's the story.

Initially, the basic tracks were recorded with his band at his home and at a local East Bay studio. As Yuji points out, "the band is more crucial on this record than it was on 'Orange'." Yuji is more than capable as a solo performer; but only through his band (which consists of Ian Robertson on bass, Bradley Skaught on drums, and Kumi Kobayashi on piano and keyboards) can the fullness of the songs really come to fruition. Bradley's drumming provides unexpected, though carefully mapped out rhythms. Ian's bass is sparse and steady, providing an anchor to the intricate arrangements. And Kumi's piano adds a sophistication which Yuji modestly admits could not be achieved through his own "clunky attempts."

All of those elements combined with the cast of supporting player's results in a soundscape that is as impressive as it is eclectic. Yuji had the basic tracks transferred to ADAT and took them to Tokyo to have violinist Yuji Katsui (from Rovo) and guitarist Nishiwaki (from Sakana) add their respective parts.

Next he sent the ADAT to Doug Gillard from Guided by Voices who had been a fan of Yuji's since hearing his 'Shonen Blue' LP which had been released over ten years ago. Once again, as on 'Orange', Doug added to the mix sparse, yet tasteful solos causing songs such as "One Bright Summer Day" and "Fall" to shimmer. Another returning player, Bill Swan from Beulah, contributed occasional horn parts to songs like "Rails in Vain" and "Between Beds and Clocks". Finally, Yuji flew to Hollywood to master the CD at Precision Mastering with Don C. Tyler (Cake, REM, Guided By Voices), thereby completing this whirlwind excursion.

Needless to say, Yuji is as always excited to be able to work with such an array of talented and amazing musicians. He notes, "None of their individual projects sound like mine, but they help make this project sound like something I could never have been able to cook up on my own." The end result is one that is otherworldly yet down to earth. Inspiration, according to Yuji, can found just about anywhere, "As long as it holds my attention. Something I once saw on the street, a snippet of a conversation, the newspapers, some faint memory, whatever...." The new CD is the result of many worlds colliding and the beautiful sounds that can occur. Inspiration? Indeed.