© 2023 Lawrence Tuczynski

ALL info and cover scans courtesy of David Hirsch

Title BUKIMISHA: SF SYMPHONIC FANTASIA - THE SPIRITUAL VOICES OF AKIRA IFUKUBE
CD Label BSX Records
CD Number BSXCD 9157
Music Composed by: Akira Ifukube
Music Performed by: BUKIMISHA
Number of tracks 22
Running time 71:40
Number of discs 1
Year of release/manufacture November 30, 2023

REVIEW

December 22, 2023 courtesy of BSX Records, https://buysoundtrax.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/bukimisha-symphonic-fantasia-spiritual-voices-honor-akira-ifukube

This CD set is a limited run of 500 units.

The unique ‘a Capella’ stylings of Bukimisha once again returns to those classic themes Akira Ifukube created for Toho Studios′ epic "tokusatsu (special effects) extravaganzas" for their fourth release in BSX Records′ ongoing series. This time however, instead of presenting complete film scores, the vocal group has turned to recreating "SF Symphonic Fantasia," the three original orchestral suites that were compiled in 1983 with cues selected from 14 "Showa" era film scores. From the original Godzilla through Destroy All Monsters, fans are sure to find their favorite iconic motifs.

Maestro Ifukube spend much the 15 years following his last "Showa" film, Terror of MechaGodzilla, focused on concert performances. "SF Symphonic Fantasia" was first offered to the public on LP in 1983, and included "Rondo in Burlesque," a rousing medley created in 1972 from the military marches originally composed for Invasion of Astro-Monster and Varan, the Unbelievable. To finish off this glorious concert experience, this album concludes with a suite arranged from Ifukube′s first score for the "Heisei" era, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.

For several decades Bukimisha, a self-proclaimed ‘secret society’ (whose name roughly translates as "Creepy Company") has enthralled Japanese audiences with their amazing ‘a Capella’ vocal stylings. They have transformed their love of film music into a unique art form, and built an impressive catalog of over 150 albums. Many feature Ifukube′s vast library of classical compositions and complete film scores. Bukimisha was even given the opportunity to perform before the legendary composer at one of his final birthday celebrations.

BSX Records is proud to once more offer the unique performance art of Bukimisha to movie music fans around the world. This album, featuring a brand new audio mix unique to this release, has been mastered by James Nelson at Digital Outland from the group′s original digital recordings, all supervised and approved by Takeo Yahiro & their great mentor, Dr. Bukimi. Exclusive liner notes by author David Hirsch details Akira Ifukube′s life, career, and the music featured.

BUKIMISHA: SF SYMPHONIC FANTASIA - THE SPIRITUAL VOICES OF AKIRA IFUKUBE (BSXCD9157)

    SF SYMPHONIC FANTASIA 1 (1983)

  1. GODZILLA (1954) "Godzilla Appears" 0:36
  2. GODZILLA (1954) "Intermezzo" 6:03
    GODZILLA (1954) "Theme"
    KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962) "Theme"
    BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE (1959) "Night Music Serenade"
  3. FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965) "Baragon’s Horror"
    GHIDORAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964) "Godzilla vs. Rodan" 2:03
  4. BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE (1959) "Theme"
    DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968) "Theme"
    BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE (1959) "Fighting Music" 5:22

    5. SF SYMPHONIC FANTASIA 2 (1983)

  5. ADVENTURE IN KIGAN CASTLE (1966) "Theme" 2:44
  6. GHIDORAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964) "King Ghidorah" 1:52
  7. KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962) "Battle Music" 1:40
  8. MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964) "Sacred Fountain" 1:46
  9. VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE (1958) "Theme" 2:38
  10. GHIDORAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964) "Kurobe Valley" 1:05
  11. KING KONG ESCAPES (1967) "Escape Music"
    KING KONG ESCAPES (1967) "Element X"
    WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966) "Operation L ? Army March"
    RODAN (1956) "Flying Music"
    WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966) "Operation L ? Army March" (Reprise) 4:46

    12. SF SYMPHONIC FANTASIA 3 (1983)

  12. DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968) "Opening Theme" 6:43
    KING KONG ESCAPES (1967) "Mechani-Kong’s Theme"
    WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966) "Sanda’s Theme"
    KING KONG ESCAPES (1967) "Beauty and Kong"
    ATRAGON (1963) "Tokyo Bay and the Ghoten"
  13. KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962) "Transport Music" 1:03
  14. KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962) "Giant Octopus vs. King Kong" 0:52
  15. ATRAGON (1963) "March"
    THE MYSTERIANS (1957) "Battle March" 3:58

    16. RONDO IN BURLESQUE (Bukimisha 2023 ver.)

  16. INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER (1965) "Monster Zero March"
    VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE (1958) "March" 9:54

    17. SYMPHONIC FANTASIA:
    GODZILLA VS. KING GHIDORAH (1991)

  17. Prelude 3:08
  18. Dinosaurs 2:02
  19. Lagos 1:06
  20. Emi 2:52
  21. King Ghidorah 3:05
  22. March Music / Godzilla 5:55