by Sufjan Stevens, arr. Tabata/Jones

In this beautifully haunting ballad, Sujfan expresses conflicted feelings of mourning the death of his mother, while also acknowledging the neglect in childhood and lack of a close relationship while she was alive. Sufjan expresses the desire to have been made peace with mother, but also that his relationship with her wasn’t going anywhere.

“I forgive you mother….but every road leads to an end.”

by Masakatsu Takagi

arr. James Tabata

In the early 2010s, Takagi moved to a small village in Hyōgo, Japan, Takagi. His time here inspired him to record Kagayaki, blending his background in classical music with Japanese folk music. The album includes recordings of nature and town life, including voices of young and old townsfolk who sing on the album.

This album greatly inspires us not only to embrace our cultural heritage in music, but to find joy in the simple daily livings.

by James Tabata

This song celebrates the friendships and love that has carried James through dark times. The chorus sings a sentiment of how every hardship would be worth going through again to share another moment with their loved ones.