Sous le ciel d’Akashi

"Jean-Marie Raymond has written a large body of work over the previous years, much of it being made available from d'OZ, and a number of collaborations and recordings done with his musical friend Minoru Inagaki, who recently lost his battle with cancer. This piece was the last piece Raymond wrote that Inagaki heard and which was dedicated to him. It begins with a slow, mournful little arabesque of a tune over a slow bass and chord alternating accompaniment in E minor. This then veers into the main body of the piece which is a tremolo idea in G minor that subsequently turns into G major for its final portion. This part is not too difficult and certainly is an easier tremolo work than many others you will know. After a significant time, the music slows and the opening section returns for a final time and the work closes over a B minor arpeggio idea. This is an emotional work and has a lovely melody and harmonies that will win many friends. Moreover, its difficulty is not more than moderate (providing you have a decent tremolo technique) and so many players will love to get their fingers on this piece; it deserves to do well."

Chris Dumigan (Classical Guitar Magazine)