Takashi Yoshimatsu (b. 1953) is Chandos's composer in residence, and this is the third release of his music on that label. Yoshimatsu's music has tended to be in direct opposition to the music of Japan's greatest composer, Toru Takemitsu. Yoshimatsu's music is a mixture of tonalities, but tends to have a romantic heart regardless of how far he pushes his ideas. His Saxophone Concerto is a good example. The music has elements of jazz and blues, but Yoshimatsu allows the soloist (Nobuya Sugawa) room to explore newer sonic territory. The Symphony No. 3 is much more cantankerous and moody, but still retains a melodic, tonal core with hints of American minimalism here and there. This is engaging, interesting music, decidedly more Western than Eastern. Highly recommended. --Paul Cook