Kazumi Kaneda is a Tokyo-based producer, arranger, composer and all around talented artist. His emphasis on piano-driven melodies makes him a unique contributor to the world of instrumental hip-hop and jazz music. Hard Light, Kazumi’s 3rd full length project, (his second on Inner Ocean Records, a label I have recently discovered) is an incredibly dense and detailed album.

You feel the passion seeping through Kazumi’s fingers with every key he presses. The melodies are beautiful, compositions are gorgeous and you get a sense that Kazumi is more focused than ever on this project. The drums throughout this project provide the perfect rhythm for Kazumi’s compositions. My personal favourite track ‘Ink Ribbon’ is drenched in gorgeous keys, electronic tonalities and an infectious Dilla-esque groove in the beat. The bassline is wonderful on that record as well.

If you haven’t had the chance, please do listen to Kazumi Kaneda’s music. Hard Light can be listened to and bought below.

Released via Inner Ocean Records.