A tantalizing, cross-cultural concoction, KAORI is the 2005 release from the unique Japanese singer Eri Sugai. Sugai blends traditional Japanese folk songs, layered vocals, dense, gleaming, dream-like arrangements, and a tech-savvy sensibility that gives her music a contemporary, Western feel. Yet the presence of native instruments such as the koto, erhu, and the shakuhachi keep the overall atmosphere as alluring and distinctive in design as a Japanese philosopher's garden. KAORI's most striking feature, however, is the accomplishment of Sugai's singing. Her performances (especially on multi-tracked a capella tracks like "Silence") give free reign to her stunningly expressive voice, often coming across like a one-woman heavenly choir. This music is sophisticated, elegant, ethereal, and deeply absorbing.