Album of the Week - Itoko Toma - The Window

Oft-overlooked minimalist compositions are so important to seek out in today's noisy world. Distractions abound from all directions - the news cycle, professional responsibilities, social obligations - and the silent moments buried within sparse melodies provide a sort of respite. In the case of Itoko Toma's latest release, those moments come in between soft piano notes, and in some cases, backing strings. In describing her process, Itoko Toma explained that these seven pieces were composed as she looked out a window above her piano, and that they capture "the passing of time" and "various feelings hidden." This goes to show that sometimes introspection accompanies quietude, and as each individual takes in this beautiful album, varied reflections and emotions are bound to arise.