CD Review: Jeong Ga Ak Hoe and Hyejin Yoon's 'Thinking Being Irresistibly Burnt'

Jeong Ga Ak Hoe and Hyejin Yoon
Thinking Being Irresistibly Burnt
AkdangEban

South Korean musicologist, author, and composer, Hyejin Yoon, brings us a fascinating excursion into the light and sound of South Korea's neo-traditional music. The slightly classical tone of the music is related to the types of bells, percussion, wind, and string instruments utilized. The somewhat quirky playing resembles some of the sounds from Southeast Asian (notably, Indonesian) ensembles and temple music from the same region. In any case, the music is theatrical and dramatic with scattered vocals that seemingly mimic the instrumental delivery. Hyejin's work with the ensemble is highly important for the world of music, since anything other than K-pop coming out of South Korea is incredibly rare. Anyone with an interest in Southeast and East Asian neo-traditional music will love Jeong Ga Ak Hoe and its talented composer, Hyejin. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Seka Gong Taruna Mekar Orchestra feat. Wayne Vitale and I Made Arnawa

Seka Gong Taruna Mekar Orchestra feat. Wayne Vitale and I Made Arnawa
Makrokosma Bali
Vital Records

Initially a science-focus, Makrokosma Bali eventually centered on Balinese culture and philosophy over the four years of its development. The universal microcosm and macrocosm of human existence and humankind's orientation within the universe is showcased with the different sounds. The gamelan instrumentation is more pronounced and varied than the previously-reviewed album, also from Vital Records. The ensemble consists of twenty-five musicians. "Kerang Kering" is a vocal track with rhythmic chanting, speaking, and nature sounds without instrumental accompaniment. The five other tracks contain traditional tunes that are perfect for the Balinese student or aficionado of Indonesian gamelan music. This is a fine example of gamelan music produced in Bali with an American participating in the music-making process (Wayne Vitale). ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: I Made Arnawa & I Dewa Putu Berata's 'Returning Minimalism: New Works For Balinese gamelan gong kebyar'

I Made Arnawa & I Dewa Putu Berata
Returning Minimalism: New Works For Balinese gamelan gong kebyar
Vital Records

I Made Arnawa and I Dewa Putu Berata are two musicians that make up the Seka Gong Taruna Mekar and Cudamani Ensembles from Bali, Indonesia. Returning Minimalism... is an extension of Terry Riley's 1964 work, "In C", a pivotal piece--and arguably the first minimalist composition. Track one, "In Deng," by I Made Arnawa, is a twenty-four minute composition that includes gamelan instruments, such as reong, trompong, gangsa, suling, jublag, jegogan, gong, kempur, and kenong. The metallic overtones are arranged in a fast-paced rhythm with shimmering gamelan sounds that mimic a metal balafon or vibraphone with starkly, higher-pitched sounds. The music is instrumental and it takes on a new approach to performance, since the album accentuates improvisational and creative energies that defy traditional modes. "In Ding" is the second and final track, but it is performed by I Dewa Putu Berata. This track was mostly instrumental, except for vocal accompaniment by Emiko Saraswati Susilo. "In Ding" was more improvisationala range of one tone. The crystal clear tones of the gamelan instruments are iconic, trance-inducing, and meditative. The music is ideal for Balinese musical studies and graduate students with a background in musical notation. Extensive liner notes are included in English. ~ Matthew Forss  

Original Balinese Gamelan Ensemble For Sale

This custom Balinese ensemble is made by master instrument makers in Denpasar, Bali Indonesia. The hand-carved mahogany depicting Balinese folklore, include a pair of 10-key bronze gangas and a 10-bowl reyong (trompong). All instruments are tuned and work together as a set to the pelog scale. The trompong is constructed to break down into two halves to facilitate transport. A natural linseed oil was chosen over the more customary red paint and gold leaf, to integrate better with an interior home decor. Shipping crates are included. Asking Price: $15,000.00.

Email for photos: worldmusicman2002@yahoo.com

CD Review: Soothing Sounds of Suarasama

Suarasama
Fajar Di Atas Awan
Drag City

Suarasama is a group based in Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia that is composed mostly of ethnomusicologists. Fajar Di Atas Awan ("Dawn Over The Clouds") was recorded by ethnomusicologist, Philip Yampolsky, in 1997. Notably, this is a re-issue of the 1998 recording. The group incorporates instrumentation from the Indian subcontinent and surrounding Southeast Asian regions. Overall, the recording includes a lighter collection of music that is good for contemplative listening, yoga, reflection, or immediate transport to a far-off land. Instruments used include the sruti box, framed drum, guitar, Persian duf, tabla, Sundanese kendang, and varied percussion. A mix of sporadic vocals, various instrumentation, and informative liner notes complete the ensemble. This release is also available on LP. ~ Matthew Forss