David Sylvian

About

Front-man for British new wave group Japan, David Sylvian released his first solo album in 1984. While his work with Japan reflected the influences of glam and post punk of the late 1970s, his solo work adventured into more avant-garde territory, incorporating elements from jazz, early electronic music and ambient noise. This desire to expand his sonic palette was furthered by his fairly consistent collaborations with respected experimental composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and later with King Crimson's lead guitarist Robert Fripp. As Sylvian continued to release solo work and prove his talent as a musician, his music delved further into electroacoustic improvisation, generally involving avant-garde jazz instrumentals, bordering on discordance, overlaid with singer/songwriter-styled vocals.