Erik Hall, a Michigan-based producer who also has a background as a percussionist with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Reich himself advises that these pieces, which demand immense stamina and concentration due to their repetition and complex structure, are best performed by a group of 18 or more musicians. Yet Hall has recorded them in his small home studio using only the instruments he had on hand (a muted piano for the xylophone, an electric guitar for the violin, and other instruments such as a Rhodes and a CR-68 drum machine), he recorded every part live in a single take, without using any loops, quantization, programmed instruments, or sequenced instruments. By recording one section and one instrument at a time each day, he lovingly recreated this monumental work. It is a masterpiece that retains the dignity of an ECM production and the immersive, trippy quality of the original score, while giving it a modern, electrified twist. The emotion in “Section IIIA” and “Section VI” is simply overwhelming. Be sure to check out the track list as well. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)