What an absolute treat this is... The first album I seriously fell in love with in 1984 and to this very day my favourite album of all time... Listening to it washes over me with lovely warm memories of my youth... Thank you David sylvian
Totally agree. Also brings back bad memories and listening to Brilliant Trees sat on a cliff watching the waves wash in with moonlight. A time I didn't want to live anymore but this music got me through it. Thank you David.
An absolute gem. Like many of the other commentators here "Brilliant Trees" (as one put it so well) "seared a tattoo on my soul" that will be with me for life. A timeless masterpiece. I'd had no idea David's piano playing was so extraordinarily and uniquely beautiful until seeing him perform in studio on this video. In fact, I have never heard any (italics) players, even masters come close to the intensity, profundity and purity of emotion that gushed effortlessly from his fingers through the keys - a direct conduit from his soul to the listener. Surely a solo piano/ vocal tour at classical venues would establish DS as an astonishing new undiscovered prodigy to the world of classical music. David, thank you for sharing your vision with us and touching our lives...
0:00 Ronny Drayton overdubbing guitar on "Pulling Punches" 3:00 David playing piano on "Blue of Noon" 3:56 David and Ryuichi Sakamoto composing "Blue of Noon" 10:19 Holger Czukay creating effect sounds for "Weathered Wall" 12:00 Holger and David recording effect sounds for "Weathered Wall" 18:43 Holger standing at the studio entrance (for David's polaroids photo sessions?) 18:55 Holger playing guitar for "Red Guitar" playing back at slow speed 20:07 Holger overdubbing guitar on "Red Guitar" 21:14 David, Holger experimenting for "Brilliant Trees" obeserved by Richard Barbieri 26:56 Jon Hassell overdubbing breathy trumpet on "Brilliant Trees" 34:50 David, Jon and Steve Nye experimenting with AMS effects for "Brilliant Trees" 39:13 David eating chocolate mousse
TY For your input, im a lifelong japan fan but got/lost my way with DS vision so its nice to actually read you die hard fans insight , i love the guy/s,,, rip mk/ id love b4 i leave this mortal realm to see him tour 1 last time,, i beleve there is amaing mateial unreleased with the great man R frith?/ anyway , love these posts, DS must know he would sell out any venue, but i forget, i saw japan on 11th dec 1980,or81? at Lancaster university , friday it was , i was 13 if it was 80,, i still got my ticket stub£4,,, months pocket money lol, im 55 soon and im worn out after 8hr shift, so tours gotta be heavy going unless you have jagger n richards blood! does anyone think we will see DS,Steve, richie, poss Ryuichi one more time? Thanks DS/Japan,,Qudrephenia said"A Way of life"",,,,,, JAPAN ,,, They ARE MINE,, again great comments , and we have a great back catologue ,peace, stay safe guys
That guitar solo in Red Guitar which David didn’t include on the final mix, but heard in this video, was absolutely magical. Brilliant Trees, Gone To Earth and Secrets of the Beehive accompanied me throughout my late teens and early 20’s. They are works of such immense and indescribable beauty. I’m just grateful that I was privileged to grow up with them. Thanks David for being so talented and generous enough to share your gift, and thanks to the gentleman who posted this video. Marvellous.
To think David was only in his mid 20's when he created this masterpiece is really quite phenomenal. To watch this intimate studio footage has only added to the allure of this already legendary recording. It has, and always will be, my favourite album ever. High praise indeed. You're a legend Mr Sylvian.
Brilliant Trees is one of my all time fave albums not to mention the two that followed in the 80s. To see this footage of a rare and unique gem of an album being recorded after all these years is fascinating.
This whole video is an historical document and therefore should be augmented into a complete digital format, possibly into HD with stereo sound. David is a national treasure. Groundbreaking is just one reason why documents like this and many others should be promoted and made more widely available.
@@crystalc1earsuch incredible talent and skill. Shame how it all ended up but I'm sure the people involved wouldn't have changed much. If David had the ability to seperate Japan from solo work and kept them both going, they'd be one of the most influential bands ever.
I recently read that this was the intention with the reunion project under the name Rain Tree Crow. It was going to be a more long-term collaboration of band members and not just those musicians performing David’s compositions. Unfortunately, old tensions arose, and we’ve been blessed with only one additional (brilliant) album from that hugely influential and visionary band.
@@matthew4694 Yes, I was excited when Rain Tree Crow was announced and bought that record as soon as it was released, but as you say, it ended up being rather short-lived…
This is the most incredible video. Such an insight into the making of one of my favourite albums. Not just seeing the parts being formed (by legends) but getting an actual feeling of the vibe in the studio, unaffected. Kinda teary tbh. Much appreciated!
I remember listening to a pirate radio station called Capital Radio in 1986, based in Dublin. It was the go-to station for alt heads and I was a budding musician, trying to find my way. The dj announced a track from Sylvian's new album, Gone To Earth and proceeded to play The Healing Place from the instrumentals side. I was fucking gobsmacked because I never knew music like that existed(I was 16). I thought, 'if that's the only song on the album like that, I'm buying it anyway". So I did. I nearly tripped over my spliff when I discovered there was a whole set of instrumentals on sides 3 and 4. Have never stopped listening to it, to this day. Same with Plight And Premonition.
Yes this piece is very special to me as well, although I’m a younger guy. But I used to record radio transmissions as well in my childhood. Your story is mesmerising, I love hearing old school stories like that. Cheers from Altay, Siberia
when you have Holger Czukay or any member from CAN on your album, you are guaranteed absolute GOLD! Even today, those old CAN albums sound as if they were recorded within the last few years- So far ahead of their time, they were!
Yeah, CAN just aren’t celebrated enough, Tago Mago and Ege Bamyasi are the bomb. Being a teenage fan of Japan, I listened to his solo album, then Flux & Premonition, and those records, via Mr Czukay, led me to CAN . . . Also John Lydon going on about them all the time!
@@MrMusicbyMartin Virtually the entire Can discography is the bomb depending on your mood. Every album scratches a different itch. But yeah... Ege Bamyasi is near the top for me. "The Lost tapes" is mind-blowing with unreleased tracks that proved the band was future-proof in the 60's as well.
@@percyvolnar8010 I agree completely about the Lost Tapes, which is phenomenal. I’d be hard pressed to recommend everything they recorded, though - ‘Can Can’ and some of the other late-70s recordings were ill-advised but they can be forgiven these follies in the light of their early work’s consistent telepathic genius.
@@MrMusicbyMartin Well said. However, as i said earlier, Cans albums all scratch a different itch. I mean, if i had it my way, every Can album would sound and feel like Ege Bamyasi. But that also means can would have died sooner. This is what makes can so cool. They went against the grain. As for the Can-can album: That was the album where Holger Czukay's involvement was zero. I think the only thing he did on that particular album was editing. It still wasn't a bad album and only seemed that way if you compared it to the rest of their discography. Which says a lot. Can set the needle so damned high that even their worst sounded better than other stuff being released by other artists at that time. This is still a "Win" in my eyes.
Wow I'm dyin' a lil bit right now. This is so great. I love David and Ryuichi Sakamoto (RIP) but I could watch Holger Czukay all day noodling around in the studio. There's just not enough of him to watch anywhere that I could find. One day all we'll have is there sonic legacies and that's why I love stuff like this. Thanks for posting ❤😊. Oh, now I'm REALLY tweaking after watching Jon Hassell do that thing he does with his hands to his mouth.... I always thought that was an trumpet that was fed through some effects. Mind blown!! Thanks again.❤
Amazing how hard they had to work over the thing we all know by heart as the only version. I must have listened to that record a hundred times back when it came out. Now i know it didn't emerge out of the aether, like Diana out of Zeus's head or something. Thanks for the upload.
The first fourth world rock album? Brilliant Trees is a perfect blending of electronic experimentation, ambient atmospheres, highly crafted songs, and emotional vocals and lyrics. Sylvian definitely knew how to choose the perfect musicians for his projects.
David Sylvian is a musical Genius and he knows how to bring together all the best top Avante Garde musicians to make sensitive romantic love songs and music he knows how to weave the music to touch your heart his list of collaboration is emense just to mention a few , Ryuchi sakamoto, Holgar czukay, John torn, Russell, Robert friip,and the list of amazing collaboration of musicians just goes on and on a spelldour wonder in the dreams of music why does David Sylvian succeed because he does deep research into the music he chooses every note like a poet chooses every word to write his poetry and David Sylvian is a poet
This is incredible. I have this album on remastered CD (2 for 1 with 'Secrets Of The Beehive') and LP. I found 'Secrets Of The Beehive' used on vinyl while vacationing in Burlington, Vermont. A few weeks ago, I found 'Gone To Earth' used on cassette for $3. I just listened to the second half tonight, and stumbled upon this while looking for the tracklist. It is amazing how everything connects. This man and his work, is simply remarkable. A true artist.
Ronny Drayton's guitar part is outstanding on 'Pulling Punches'. That guitar part is a lesson on soul, funk, R&B and new wave guitar playing. People sleep on how lyrical the guitar part really is.
AMAZING! I've played this album constantly since it first came out and I still pretty much know every little sound of it note for note -- if I were on a desert Island I could play Brilliant Trees without missing a note of it in my head. That said, I'd NEVER even heard of Blue of Noon, and I thought I knew every note of Japan/Sylvian's entire catalog. I love this kind of piano from him, and I've only heard small fragments of it, like on "September's Here Again" and a very few others. I'll have to find Blue of Noon and I know it'll be one of my favorite pieces for the rest of my life. How many other "undiscovered" Sylvian gems have I missed? I love hearing all the components of it as "raw material" and how they come up with so much material that they down-select and re-blend into the final whole. Especially Drayton's beautiful guitar work. This has added a huge new dimension to the entire performance for me. Amazing how brilliantly they work together and "mind meld" to create together. THANKS for posting this!
David Sylvian really was the Most Beautiful Man In The World. Even his hands. He's more beautiful than any girl. Including his voice. Like a golden Angel.
Je rêvais de voir ces sessions un jour , enfin nous pouvons voir la créativitée et l'harmonie entre les musiciens et David surtout avec Rui. Hassel est impressionant aussi, jespères une suite ...
Fantastic that this exists... Almost miraculous to see it so long after the album's release. Gone to Earth is my favourite album of all time and this is a very close second. What a delight (and relief!) it was when it appeared. I was horrified when Japan split, but from hearing Brilliant Trees could really see why David Sylvian wanted to/absolutely had to take his own path. I think it contains Jon Hassell's most lyrical playing too - Responding to the context seemed to pull something magical from his palette.
Fascinating, how carefully Sylvian works with all the musicians together, without hurting anyones egos, but let flowing their creativity with clear communication.The result is a masterpiece.
If you don't have Sylvian's Snow Borne Sorrow, sometimes also known as Nine Horses, depending on what door you came in, it is stunning. Very rich stuff. My favorite of his.
Really good to see some of this. I had tickets to a Sylvian performance in the 80’s - unfortunately the gig was cancelled. My friend ( whom I wrote music with) wrote to David offering to play something on a recording. David sent him a really nice response back. I remember being a bit envious but noticing David had lovely artistic handwriting. Just thawt I’d share that memory.
Attended Gymnasium school at that time while they delivered an utmost beautiful album some two flight miles away at the famous Hansa Studios near the Berlin Wall. 4 years later I saw him with his "Praise to the shaman" tour at the Berliner Philharmonie. Gorgeous.
The early stages of the creation of a true work of art. The way David, Holger, Ryuichi etc all conversed and connected through music is astonishing. Holger epitomizes the phrase "mad scientist" and I mean that in a good way
This album was my introduction to David Sylvian and it was love at first sight ( and listening). David has been part of my life since then. Interesting doc by the way. Thank you for uploading.
Thank you for sharing these precious and creatious moments in life, David. You created the music of my life and I wish you and your beloved ones karma for whatever comes next. Your music will survive generations ... of that I am sure. Obrigado.
This is incredible footage. Thank you. I remember having to special order this album, as it was only available on import, and being blown away when I finally got to hear it. It was so different to everything else at the time aand still stands up.
Just magical to see Sylvian and Sakamoto working together in the studio. What a treat these two were - I always felt, and still feel, that these two seemed to bring out the best in other.
man, how did you get hold of this. First in '84 on vinyl, proper love story, then on cassette, 'been listening to brilliant trees for 35 years. Class, thanks
Can’t believe I’m able to se the birth of these amazing tracks. Blue of noon is one of my absolute favourites, it’s so beautiful and I’m so glad I bought the Let the happiness in single and found it on the b-side back in the days. Thanks for posting this.
Watching and listening after knowing this piece SO WELL this all gives a new and informed and broader range AND it feels like there is so much more that can be extracted and used in some capacity or form in a future project Vincent Uk
I love reading these comments on Post Japan/David's solo career, I was for a long time Devvoed when a band I first saw aged 14 split, I with excitement bought Brilliant trees and love that alb if not more today 37 years on,also it's great how many young people are listening to Japan's and DS back catalogue.The hypocrites that annoy me are articles and cuttings I still have( I've not decided whether to embarrass 2 journalists who still do what they do best ,BS and never see a band like these pair didn't late 70s early 80s with Japan,, one of which not long ago wrote how Immaculate and Timeless Japan were upon releasing Quiet life,loosing the Raw vocals David had on AS and OA with his sublime and perfect Baritone change in vocals ,ring a bell to any of the faithfull??) It at the time didn't make any of the 5 a Merc between them,never mind each !!! But I took a different musical transition , attending more gigs. Illegal mid 80s raves around The North , I went the Hacienda most weekends ,then the Likes of The Stone Roses, Carpets, Charlatans etc were moving in , so I over looked a lot of DS albums, so I'm going through them,gotta admit,I struggle with Blemish,, I don't think Rain Tree Crow should have happened regardless it was a project , I'm just glad I saw the last gig in London rather than Nagoya with 2 Pratt's in Panda suits making the coolest band in the world go against what ethics DS was ,and aimed towards with the other guys , it sadly was a sham , a dominant front man as well choreography leader ,it if you watch it, awful footage btw is a joke ...RIP MICK KARN
Thanks so much for this, completely mesmerising to watch David S doing his thing with such innovative people around him. David influenced my whole being when I was younger as did Steve Jansen and Mick Karn. They were true artists. Bless them all x
Oh man! This is the most exciting thing I have seen in a decade. This is one of my desert island 10. It never sounds old, it’s always an adventure I can’t enumerate the LSD trips to these tracks all the way through ‘words with the Shamen’ thank you thank you thank you 🎉❤
Extremely fun and fascinating footage. Videos like this always make me gain an even bigger appreciation for the music, and I already loved Brilliant Trees so this was just a blessing
Wonderful seeing David cooking with Holger's analogue magic in real time! And Jon with his AMS digital harmoniser. (Wisely, the pitched-up "octave thing" patch he was playing with here didn't make the final cut or was well blended in!)
Just to say that I have experienced some veryelegant,intelligent and nuanced art originating from Mexico, pls don’t diss your culture or ability to influence, bless.
Sylvian, Czukay, Hassell, and Sakamoto: Four incredibly unique talents. Four legends.
Danny Thompson bobs up on bass, too
Wayne Brathwaite on bass was also amazing. Taken too soon. RIP
Jon Hassels trumpet sound has got to be one of the most emotive and beautiful sounds that that instrument has ever produced. Absolute genius.
Absolutely! It's organic.
What an absolute treat this is... The first album I seriously fell in love with in 1984 and to this very day my favourite album of all time... Listening to it washes over me with lovely warm memories of my youth... Thank you David sylvian
Totally agree. Also brings back bad memories and listening to Brilliant Trees sat on a cliff watching the waves wash in with moonlight. A time I didn't want to live anymore but this music got me through it. Thank you David.
well said brother... such a record is eternal🌈
Totally agree, Brilliant Trees the album, my all time favourite of all of David’s work.…
I second that emotion 🙏
An absolute gem. Like many of the other commentators here "Brilliant Trees" (as one put it so well) "seared a tattoo on my soul" that will be with me for life. A timeless masterpiece. I'd had no idea David's piano playing was so extraordinarily and uniquely beautiful until seeing him perform in studio on this video. In fact, I have never heard any (italics) players, even masters come close to the intensity, profundity and purity of emotion that gushed effortlessly from his fingers through the keys - a direct conduit from his soul to the listener. Surely a solo piano/ vocal tour at classical venues would establish DS as an astonishing new undiscovered prodigy to the world of classical music. David, thank you for sharing your vision with us and touching our lives...
0:00 Ronny Drayton overdubbing guitar on "Pulling Punches"
3:00 David playing piano on "Blue of Noon"
3:56 David and Ryuichi Sakamoto composing "Blue of Noon"
10:19 Holger Czukay creating effect sounds for "Weathered Wall"
12:00 Holger and David recording effect sounds for "Weathered Wall"
18:43 Holger standing at the studio entrance (for David's polaroids photo sessions?)
18:55 Holger playing guitar for "Red Guitar" playing back at slow speed
20:07 Holger overdubbing guitar on "Red Guitar"
21:14 David, Holger experimenting for "Brilliant Trees" obeserved by Richard Barbieri
26:56 Jon Hassell overdubbing breathy trumpet on "Brilliant Trees"
34:50 David, Jon and Steve Nye experimenting with AMS effects for "Brilliant Trees"
39:13 David eating chocolate mousse
TY For your input, im a lifelong japan fan but got/lost my way with DS vision so its nice to actually read you die hard fans insight , i love the guy/s,,, rip mk/ id love b4 i leave this mortal realm to see him tour 1 last time,, i beleve there is amaing mateial unreleased with the great man R frith?/ anyway , love these posts, DS must know he would sell out any venue, but i forget, i saw japan on 11th dec 1980,or81? at Lancaster university , friday it was , i was 13 if it was 80,, i still got my ticket stub£4,,, months pocket money lol, im 55 soon and im worn out after 8hr shift, so tours gotta be heavy going unless you have jagger n richards blood! does anyone think we will see DS,Steve, richie, poss Ryuichi one more time? Thanks DS/Japan,,Qudrephenia said"A Way of life"",,,,,, JAPAN ,,, They ARE MINE,, again great comments , and we have a great back catologue ,peace, stay safe guys
Very very cool, fascinating seeing David/Ryuichi composing and everyone.... like being a fly in the studio in time. TKS
David eating chocolate mousse 😂
@@nickryan6787 That's the most laid back since the pic with Giorgio moroder I'd ever seen 🤘
@@DarranJHankey66 Rest in Paradise, Ronny Drayton, Jon Hassell and Holger Czukay. 😔🙏🏾🕊️♥️
Brilliant Trees is a solo MASTERPIECE! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
RIP Czukay, Hassell, Sakamoto, and Drayton - you guys crafted something amazing that we will always be thankful for… 🥲
R.I.P. Ronny “Head” Drayton, one of the greatest and most underrated guitarists of all time.
What blows me away from this clip is him playing a right handed guitar strung for a right handed player.
This LP has been turning for years in my ears, interesting to hear and see the genesis of it :)
I just watched it & indescribable emotions came over me. The Brilliant Trees album tattooed my soul in 1984.
The trumpet sound from Jon Hassel is just brilliant - no pun intended - I’ve always wondered how that was achieved. Mind blowing:)
Brilliant Trees, Gone to Earth and Secrets of the Beehive are, IMO, David's holy trinity. This video is an absolute treat to see... thank you.
One of my favorite albums ever. Had it on vinyl in 84. I appreciate getting a peek behind the curtain.
That guitar solo in Red Guitar which David didn’t include on the final mix, but heard in this video, was absolutely magical. Brilliant Trees, Gone To Earth and Secrets of the Beehive accompanied me throughout my late teens and early 20’s. They are works of such immense and indescribable beauty. I’m just grateful that I was privileged to grow up with them. Thanks David for being so talented and generous enough to share your gift, and thanks to the gentleman who posted this video. Marvellous.
Session with Sakamoto also did not enter the final mix, Blue Noon is released as a rarity
Nah. That solo just doesn’t fit.
Same here!
David finally chose for Mark Isham's trumpet solo, which did the trick for me in the song.
Вы не поверете,как нас много,разделяющих ваше мнение!!
To think David was only in his mid 20's when he created this masterpiece is really quite phenomenal. To watch this intimate studio footage has only added to the allure of this already legendary recording. It has, and always will be, my favourite album ever. High praise indeed. You're a legend Mr Sylvian.
36:27 i think this is the first time i've heard sylvian let out a real laugh!! how sweet
16:29 !!!!
One of my favourite albums. Lovely to see the creative genius at work and the length he went too to get the sound he wanted.
Brilliant Trees is one of my all time fave albums not to mention the two that followed in the 80s. To see this footage of a rare and unique gem of an album being recorded after all these years is fascinating.
Absolutely true. Brilliant Trees, Alchemy, Secrets of the Beehive and Gone to Earth are really precious records.
What a beautiful footage! This Is the album of my Life! Thank you David Sylvian
This whole video is an historical document and therefore should be augmented into a complete digital format, possibly into HD with stereo sound. David is a national treasure. Groundbreaking is just one reason why documents like this and many others should be promoted and made more widely available.
David was ridiculously young releasing this masterpiece
It's crazy, he'd started a band, released five albums, and disbanded it, then made a solo album, and he was still only 26
@@crystalc1earsuch incredible talent and skill. Shame how it all ended up but I'm sure the people involved wouldn't have changed much. If David had the ability to seperate Japan from solo work and kept them both going, they'd be one of the most influential bands ever.
I recently read that this was the intention with the reunion project under the name Rain Tree Crow. It was going to be a more long-term collaboration of band members and not just those musicians performing David’s compositions. Unfortunately, old tensions arose, and we’ve been blessed with only one additional (brilliant) album from that hugely influential and visionary band.
@@matthew4694 Yes, I was excited when Rain Tree Crow was announced and bought that record as soon as it was released, but as you say, it ended up being rather short-lived…
Brilliant Trees is one of my favourite albums period. Nostalgia my fave track. Thanks David and guys.
It raises hairs on my arms does that track , it's immaculate 🙏
Nigel , "Nostalgia" is my favourite track , I think it's one of those tracks that is personal to many , be it life events, to present ,,thank you 🙏
absolutely : )
Thats my favourite track along with brilliant trees although the entire album is superb
This is the most incredible video. Such an insight into the making of one of my favourite albums. Not just seeing the parts being formed (by legends) but getting an actual feeling of the vibe in the studio, unaffected. Kinda teary tbh. Much appreciated!
I remember listening to a pirate radio station called Capital Radio in 1986, based in Dublin. It was the go-to station for alt heads and I was a budding musician, trying to find my way. The dj announced a track from Sylvian's new album, Gone To Earth and proceeded to play The Healing Place from the instrumentals side. I was fucking gobsmacked because I never knew music like that existed(I was 16). I thought, 'if that's the only song on the album like that, I'm buying it anyway". So I did. I nearly tripped over my spliff when I discovered there was a whole set of instrumentals on sides 3 and 4. Have never stopped listening to it, to this day. Same with Plight And Premonition.
Alchemy is great, came only as a tape I remember
Yes this piece is very special to me as well, although I’m a younger guy. But I used to record radio transmissions as well in my childhood. Your story is mesmerising, I love hearing old school stories like that. Cheers from Altay, Siberia
when you have Holger Czukay or any member from CAN on your album, you are guaranteed absolute GOLD! Even today, those old CAN albums sound as if they were recorded within the last few years- So far ahead of their time, they were!
Absolutely! And all before Soon Over Babaluma were recorded on TWO track - mind blowing.
Yeah, CAN just aren’t celebrated enough, Tago Mago and Ege Bamyasi are the bomb. Being a teenage fan of Japan, I listened to his solo album, then Flux & Premonition, and those records, via Mr Czukay, led me to CAN . . . Also John Lydon going on about them all the time!
@@MrMusicbyMartin Virtually the entire Can discography is the bomb depending on your mood. Every album scratches a different itch. But yeah... Ege Bamyasi is near the top for me. "The Lost tapes" is mind-blowing with unreleased tracks that proved the band was future-proof in the 60's as well.
@@percyvolnar8010 I agree completely about the Lost Tapes, which is phenomenal. I’d be hard pressed to recommend everything they recorded, though - ‘Can Can’ and some of the other late-70s recordings were ill-advised but they can be forgiven these follies in the light of their early work’s consistent telepathic genius.
@@MrMusicbyMartin Well said. However, as i said earlier, Cans albums all scratch a different itch. I mean, if i had it my way, every Can album would sound and feel like Ege Bamyasi. But that also means can would have died sooner. This is what makes can so cool. They went against the grain. As for the Can-can album: That was the album where Holger Czukay's involvement was zero. I think the only thing he did on that particular album was editing. It still wasn't a bad album and only seemed that way if you compared it to the rest of their discography. Which says a lot. Can set the needle so damned high that even their worst sounded better than other stuff being released by other artists at that time. This is still a "Win" in my eyes.
Wow I'm dyin' a lil bit right now. This is so great. I love David and Ryuichi Sakamoto (RIP) but I could watch Holger Czukay all day noodling around in the studio. There's just not enough of him to watch anywhere that I could find. One day all we'll have is there sonic legacies and that's why I love stuff like this. Thanks for posting ❤😊.
Oh, now I'm REALLY tweaking after watching Jon Hassell do that thing he does with his hands to his mouth.... I always thought that was an trumpet that was fed through some effects. Mind blown!! Thanks again.❤
Amazing how hard they had to work over the thing we all know by heart as the only version. I must have listened to that record a hundred times back when it came out. Now i know it didn't emerge out of the aether, like Diana out of Zeus's head or something. Thanks for the upload.
A MAZING , THANX TO POST IT
Sylvian has so much colors a la Debussy, which Debussy was inspired by orientalist music, the circle is complete
A truly stunning album. I wore my cassette version out in 84/85. Beautiful textures and songwriting that will always make this a classic album.
This is pure magic, I still have Brilliant Trees on German vinyl from 1985 when I was living in Bavaria. This is so cool to see!!
Oh my word what an absolute treat to come across this film - Brilliant Trees has been in my life since its release
教授が言及していたJon Hassellのプロセスを見ることができてただただ感無量です。もちろんHolgerの秘儀も。藤井ユカさんありがとうございます。このアルバムは永遠のマスターピースです。
The first fourth world rock album? Brilliant Trees is a perfect blending of electronic experimentation, ambient atmospheres, highly crafted songs, and emotional vocals and lyrics. Sylvian definitely knew how to choose the perfect musicians for his projects.
That's basically how you craft a timeless, landmark album.
Indeed... landmark.
I was always fascinated with the trumpet sound on the title track and to see it done in the flesh is extraordinary
Wow! One of the most beautiful tracks from the 80s! A gorgeous piece of music.
Thank you Mr D S for releasing this footage, as a 15 year old who bought this in 1985 this album has always stayed with me X
Me too. :D
Same!
David Sylvian is a musical Genius and he knows how to bring together all the best top Avante Garde musicians to make sensitive romantic love songs and music he knows how to weave the music to touch your heart his list of collaboration is emense just to mention a few , Ryuchi sakamoto, Holgar czukay, John torn, Russell, Robert friip,and the list of amazing collaboration of musicians just goes on and on a spelldour wonder in the dreams of music why does David Sylvian succeed because he does deep research into the music he chooses every note like a poet chooses every word to write his poetry and David Sylvian is a poet
This is incredible. I have this album on remastered CD (2 for 1 with 'Secrets Of The Beehive') and LP. I found 'Secrets Of The Beehive' used on vinyl while vacationing in Burlington, Vermont. A few weeks ago, I found 'Gone To Earth' used on cassette for $3. I just listened to the second half tonight, and stumbled upon this while looking for the tracklist. It is amazing how everything connects. This man and his work, is simply remarkable. A true artist.
Ronny Drayton's guitar part is outstanding on 'Pulling Punches'. That guitar part is a lesson on soul, funk, R&B and new wave guitar playing. People sleep on how lyrical the guitar part really is.
Agreed! Should have been a HUGE hit IMHO. ❤❤❤❤❤
Brings back so many wonderful, musical memories. Wish I was back in 1984.
Me too..
And me....
Blue of Noon is one of my favorite pieces of music ever and to see these two geniuses creating it is momentous.
All these musicians came together and a beautiful piece of music was born.
AMAZING! I've played this album constantly since it first came out and I still pretty much know every little sound of it note for note -- if I were on a desert Island I could play Brilliant Trees without missing a note of it in my head.
That said, I'd NEVER even heard of Blue of Noon, and I thought I knew every note of Japan/Sylvian's entire catalog. I love this kind of piano from him, and I've only heard small fragments of it, like on "September's Here Again" and a very few others. I'll have to find Blue of Noon and I know it'll be one of my favorite pieces for the rest of my life. How many other "undiscovered" Sylvian gems have I missed?
I love hearing all the components of it as "raw material" and how they come up with so much material that they down-select and re-blend into the final whole. Especially Drayton's beautiful guitar work. This has added a huge new dimension to the entire performance for me. Amazing how brilliantly they work together and "mind meld" to create together. THANKS for posting this!
What a gem.
David Sylvian really was the Most Beautiful Man In The World. Even his hands. He's more beautiful than any girl. Including his voice. Like a golden Angel.
Je rêvais de voir ces sessions un jour , enfin nous pouvons voir la créativitée et l'harmonie entre les musiciens et David surtout avec Rui. Hassel est impressionant aussi, jespères une suite ...
Fantastic that this exists... Almost miraculous to see it so long after the album's release. Gone to Earth is my favourite album of all time and this is a very close second. What a delight (and relief!) it was when it appeared. I was horrified when Japan split, but from hearing Brilliant Trees could really see why David Sylvian wanted to/absolutely had to take his own path. I think it contains Jon Hassell's most lyrical playing too - Responding to the context seemed to pull something magical from his palette.
Fascinating, how carefully Sylvian works with all the musicians together, without hurting anyones egos, but let flowing their creativity with clear communication.The result is a masterpiece.
If you don't have Sylvian's Snow Borne Sorrow, sometimes also known as Nine Horses, depending on what door you came in, it is stunning. Very rich stuff. My favorite of his.
It's amazing how disjointed it sounds in its raw parts yet works so well in the song
Really good to see some of this. I had tickets to a Sylvian performance in the 80’s - unfortunately the gig was cancelled. My friend ( whom I wrote music with) wrote to David offering to play something on a recording. David sent him a really nice response back. I remember being a bit envious but noticing David had lovely artistic handwriting. Just thawt I’d share that memory.
so great! and a wonderful album too.
Attended Gymnasium school at that time while they delivered an utmost beautiful album some two flight miles away at the famous Hansa Studios near the Berlin Wall. 4 years later I saw him with his "Praise to the shaman" tour at the Berliner Philharmonie. Gorgeous.
The early stages of the creation of a true work of art. The way David, Holger, Ryuichi etc all conversed and connected through music is astonishing.
Holger epitomizes the phrase "mad scientist" and I mean that in a good way
Amo profundamente a David Sylvian, su música esta mucho más allá de este mundo vulgar
Brilliant to see this again.
I wish he would do melodic music like this again. Would love to see footage from Secrets of the beehive!
This album was my introduction to David Sylvian and it was love at first sight ( and listening). David has been part of my life since then. Interesting doc by the way. Thank you for uploading.
Thank you for sharing these precious and creatious moments in life, David. You created the music of my life and I wish you and your beloved ones karma for whatever comes next. Your music will survive generations ... of that I am sure. Obrigado.
This is incredible footage. Thank you. I remember having to special order this album, as it was only available on import, and being blown away when I finally got to hear it. It was so different to everything else at the time aand still stands up.
Las em8ciones que hizo vibrar mi humanidad esos pájaros y bosque quedaron grabados for ever thanks!!!😊❤
i adore all of holgers work. and it's wonderful to see all these great artists working together on something really unique
Such talented people and beautiful music.Love David Sylvian's sound and imagery. Ryuichi Sakamoto's style is so distinctive and melodic 🌹❤️
Ive gotten pretty old and this is quite a whiles back already. Close to 40 years now.
David Sylvian; The worlds best kept musical secret of beauty.
That honour goes to Mark Hollis (RIP), although i do love David Sylvian!
Mark Hollis solo album is a stunner for sure. But David keeps that honour as he was black-pilling men long before it was a 'thing'.
Just magical to see Sylvian and Sakamoto working together in the studio. What a treat these two were - I always felt, and still feel, that these two seemed to bring out the best in other.
This album completely turned my musical head around when it came. Thanks!!
Got the album for decades yet did not know it was recorded in Berlin. Nice video 🤠
Awesome footage, Thanks David for sharing this , it's incredible , Thank you 🙏🙏🙏, All credits David Sylvian,®©®,,,,, "A way of Life"🤘
Superb album - one of the best and most original audio creations.
Masterpiece being created, thanks for this
amazing..............thanks for giving us access to this amazing time in his process
What a treasure and magic moments. Thank you for sharing.
this is gold man. thanks for sharing it! i love the part with Hassell! :)
This is priceless. Thank you so, so much to the uploader.
man, how did you get hold of this. First in '84 on vinyl, proper love story, then on cassette, 'been listening to brilliant trees for 35 years. Class, thanks
Thank you for this man!!!!!!!!!
Magnificent footage -- and you get to see Sylvian eating some chocolate mousse!!
Don't think I've ever seen footage of him eating! Strange.
Thank you, Darran. This is a real "fly-on-the-wall" experience to see this. To see them create the chart and song for Blue of Noon is just incredible.
Thanks for showing this. When you put out your first solo album, it never hurts to have Ryuchii and Holger in the studio.
Outstanding album l love.
Interesting film captured a special moment in time.
Can’t believe I’m able to se the birth of these amazing tracks. Blue of noon is one of my absolute favourites, it’s so beautiful and I’m so glad I bought the Let the happiness in single and found it on the b-side back in the days. Thanks for posting this.
Blue noon? Aint never heard that?
Watching and listening after knowing this piece SO WELL this all gives a new and informed and broader range AND it feels like there is so much more that can be extracted and used in some capacity or form in a future project
Vincent
Uk
What an absolute treat ! Bravo Darran for the posting. We are very much indebted to you sir .
Nice to see my old pal Holger.... I miss him dearly.
I love reading these comments on Post Japan/David's solo career, I was for a long time Devvoed when a band I first saw aged 14 split, I with excitement bought Brilliant trees and love that alb if not more today 37 years on,also it's great how many young people are listening to Japan's and DS back catalogue.The hypocrites that annoy me are articles and cuttings I still have( I've not decided whether to embarrass 2 journalists who still do what they do best ,BS and never see a band like these pair didn't late 70s early 80s with Japan,, one of which not long ago wrote how Immaculate and Timeless Japan were upon releasing Quiet life,loosing the Raw vocals David had on AS and OA with his sublime and perfect Baritone change in vocals ,ring a bell to any of the faithfull??) It at the time didn't make any of the 5 a Merc between them,never mind each !!! But I took a different musical transition , attending more gigs. Illegal mid 80s raves around The North , I went the Hacienda most weekends ,then the Likes of The Stone Roses, Carpets, Charlatans etc were moving in , so I over looked a lot of DS albums, so I'm going through them,gotta admit,I struggle with Blemish,, I don't think Rain Tree Crow should have happened regardless it was a project , I'm just glad I saw the last gig in London rather than Nagoya with 2 Pratt's in Panda suits making the coolest band in the world go against what ethics DS was ,and aimed towards with the other guys , it sadly was a sham , a dominant front man as well choreography leader ,it if you watch it, awful footage btw is a joke ...RIP MICK KARN
@@DarranJHankey66 paul Morely? He can be a bit Andy patridge, couldnt decide whether he like The Smith or Art of noise more
Thanks so much for this, completely mesmerising to watch David S doing his thing with such innovative people around him. David influenced my whole being when I was younger as did Steve Jansen and Mick Karn. They were true artists. Bless them all x
Intro is like Gang of Four meets Jimi Hendrix 😀 love it!
David & Ryuichi at the piano... love it
So great to watch this - thank you. It is one of my favorite albums.
Oh man! This is the most exciting thing I have seen in a decade. This is one of my desert island 10. It never sounds old, it’s always an adventure I can’t enumerate the LSD trips to these tracks all the way through ‘words with the Shamen’ thank you thank you thank you 🎉❤
Always makes me cry
Extremely fun and fascinating footage. Videos like this always make me gain an even bigger appreciation for the music, and I already loved Brilliant Trees so this was just a blessing
i can say I'm crying when I see genius at work....is everyone feeling the same?
That’s guitar playing is outstanding ❤
The guitarist at the start, that completely works in the track.
Playing left handed on a right handed guitar strung for a right handed player! Blown away.
@DiscoFang I met Sylvian and Sakamoto once, I always wish I had given them time to talk more.
lifelong Sylvian Fan. As a producer and artist this is now my favourite thing he has ever released. To be a fly on the wall :) how does this exist ?
すごい。ありがとう。見たことないので、うれしいです。
Wonderful seeing David cooking with Holger's analogue magic in real time! And Jon with his AMS digital harmoniser. (Wisely, the pitched-up "octave thing" patch he was playing with here didn't make the final cut or was well blended in!)
What an incredible artefact to have! Thank you DS for sharing this with us. Like being a witness to history.
Oh my Gosh!
Un genio elegante. Asi de simple. Son de esas personalidades que jamas veremos darse en el mundo hispano. Asi de facil. Saludos desde México city.
Just to say that I have experienced some veryelegant,intelligent and nuanced art originating from Mexico, pls don’t diss your culture or ability to influence, bless.
Carlos Cabezas, Daniel Melero , Cristian Heyne , Esplendor Geométrico, Mao Morta , Gustavo Cerati, Arnaldo Antunes