The term legend is often used lightly in music journalism. Kaoru Inoue, known as Chari Chari, is one of the few Tokyo DJs who could reasonably be called legendary.
There, at the genesis of Tokyo's ambient techno scene, he has kept a low profile, teasing followers with perfectly nurtured, ethnic-flavored cuts on Pussyfoot compilations (U2 producer and DJ Howie B's label) and occasional club dates. Finally after almost five years in the making, Inoue's first album, "Spring to Summer" (File Records), more than justifies the hyperbole.
Unlike much dance music, it is difficult to pin down "Spring to Summer" to any particular trend. Bits owe something to drum 'n' bass or the newest innovations in techno, but it is not a record meant solely for the dance floor. A strong dose of world music underlines many of the tracks, but this isn't Enigma or a haphazard stab at adding sitar or tabla to a dance track.