CD Review: Mara Measor's 'Naked Prayers'

Mara Measor
Naked Prayers
Self-Release

Chinese-American songstress, writer, and actor, Mara Measor, brings us a lively mix of personal songs with quaint instrumentation, sweet vocals, and spiritual undertones. Naked Prayers is a nine-track album under forty-minutes in length that contains several uplifting songs. In fact, all of the songs are really good with varying aural textures, melodies, and light rhythms bordering on new age-pop or alternative pop. Mara's sweet vocals resemble the Canadian group, Dala, as well as the U.K.'s Katie Melua, with similar instrumental set-ups akin to the former. The final number, "Love Will Find You," seems like a throwback to the funky, jazz standards of the 1970's. The calming and essentially word-less song, "Ooh," is a spiritual wonder with only Mara's voice leading the song and a distant thud of a drum. "You Saw Me" is a pensive, piano-driven song with guitars and percussion that are truly beautiful. All in all, Mara succeeds in creating a gorgeous album with memorable melodies, sweet vocals, and an underlying message of "good" without sacrificing anything. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gao Hong and Friends' 'Pipa Potluck'

Gao Hong and Friends
Pipa Potluck
Innova

Pipa, a Chinese plucked lute, is the central component of the new album, Pipa Potluck, by Gao Hong and several guest musicians. This is where Asian folk meets American roots, bluegrass, and classical music. The instrumental album begins with a rousing bluegrass number, "Cluck Old Hen," which features the banjo of Alison Brown, the fiddle by Matt Combs, and bass by Garry West. "Friendship" is more of a contemplative Arabic concoction with oud, percussion, and of course, the pipa. The pipa and guitar complement each other quite nicely on the excellent "Golden Season." Likewise, the slack key guitar by George Kahumoku, Jr. and the pipa create another friendly and enjoyable medley on "Mosquito Song." The bluegrass and folk stylings come back on "Sally Johnson." The serene "Lutes Around The World" finishes the album with poignant strings and delightful melodies. Fans of strings, lutes, Chinese folk, neo-classical, new age, bluegrass, Arabic, folk, Americana, and world music in general will love to sample Pipa Potluck. Remember to leave room on your plate for additional listens! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Juliane Jones' 'The Space Between The Telephone Lines'

Juliane Jones
The Space Between The Telephone Lines
Self-Release

New York-based singer, musician, and ethnomusicologist, Juliane Jones, brings us a unique set of songs that combine the poignancy and intimacy of French pop music with the folk and alternative melodies of Cantonese pop--ripe with Chinese and English vocals throughout. Juliane's pop-centered songs reflect a little Regina Spektor-meets-Faye Wong-and-Gigi Leung arrangement. The quirky, little songs are incredibly catchy from the opener, "Free This Mind," to the ballad-esque, "When You Sleep." It is rare every track on an album is great, but Juliane Jones succeeds without a hitch. "Wooden Horse" echoes with youthful brilliance, as the guitars reverberate and the roots-inspired keyboard combines with sparse drums and smooth bass wrapped around stellar Chinese vocals. "Hey Shadow" is a peppy little ditty that features a ukulele instrument that gives the song is happy feel. It is impossible to feel down when listening to this stuff. By the end of the album, you'll be craving some Chinese food and find yourself praising Juliane in Chinese with phrases such as: Hao ji le! (Excellent) and Wo hen xi huan Juliane! (I like Juliane very much!). Overall, Juliane is a fantastic singer and a fine addition to any world pop collection. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Shanren's 'Left Foot Dance Of The Yi'

Shanren
Left Foot Dance Of The Yi
Riverboat Records

Hailing from Yunnan, China, Shanren are a folk-rock group that mixes traditional instruments with very catchy and enthralling melodies and rhythms throughout the entire album. Each track reveals something new and exciting. For example, "Yi Wa," contains a very catchy flute melody, while "The Crab" possesses a light, reggae backbeat. "La Suo Mi" is a triumphant marching-type song and melody. "Bi Li Tong" is a happy song with great lutes, drums, and Chinese musical effects. "Happy New Year" is a poignant tune with a little rock effects and traditional instruments. The opening track is mostly ambient voices as an introduction, rather than a full-fledged song. Still, Shanren is going to be the top new group in my player for the rest of the year. Enjoy Left Foot Dance Of The Yi today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dragon Flutes Rising's 'Flute Meditations'

Dragon Flutes Rising
Flute Meditations
Self-Release

Jonathan Wolf (a.k.a Dragon Flutes Rising) is a talented end-blown flute maker of xiaos based in Portland, OR. These end-blown flutes are of Chinese origin, but their sound is organic, airy, and serene. Flute Meditations is a seven-track release that features nature sounds and xiaos. There are no vocals on this one. Instead, the nature sounds and breathy flute sounds evoke a sense of calming and relaxation that is perfect for anyone looking to kick back and relax. In the same manner, the music is ideal for yoga, meditation, or perhaps even sleep therapy. As an acclaimed yoga teacher, shiatsu-certified masseuse, and a capoeira trainee, Jonathan provides a well-traveled and innovative mix of influences for the music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gao Hong's 'Quiet Forest, Flowing Stream'

Gao Hong
Quiet Forest, Flowing Stream
Innova

Pipa master, Gao Hong, is a Chinese lute player with a knack for creating beautiful melodies and scintillating songs. On Quiet Forest, Flowing Stream, Gao enlists the help of acclaimed-veena player and vocalist, Nirmala Rajasekar, Michelle Kinney on cello, Biplab Bhattacharya on table, David Hagedorn on percussion, Shubhendra Rao on sitar, Joseph Schad on piano, and Kenny Endo on taiko drum. The galloping melodies are steeped in an Indo-China medley of song elements that work quite well together. The instrumental work is full of spritely melodies that represent a little Inner Asian influences, such as Mongolian folk songs. There are some vocals on "Butterfly" and "Celebration," but they are primarily used for an aural accompaniment. Fans of South Asian, Chinese, and Central Asian folk music should add Gao Hong to their collection. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Orchid Ensemble's 'Life Death Tears Dream'

Orchid Ensemble
Life Death Tears Dream
Self-Release

The Vancouver, Canada-based Orchid Ensemble brings us inventive Chinese traditional music. Lan Tung is the vocalist and erhu player. Haiqiong Deng plays the zheng. Jonathan Bernard is the marimba and percussion expert. Together, this trio fuses classical music with Chinese traditional music. The somber, yet intriguing erhu and zheng instruments are iconic and classic. The ancient traditions of Chinese classical music are reinvented here with subtle percussion additions. The plucked instruments and light percussion sounds are a perfect combination for the intended result. The music is very dreamy and awe-inspiring, but most of all: it is fun. The galloping "Hayot Hakodesh" is especially moving. "Cocoon" is pensive, reflective, and diverse. "Tune Of Mulberry" contains wavering, plucked notes and sweeping melodies. The operatic vocals on "Dancing Moon" are especially inviting. Overall, Orchid Ensemble is a great ensemble with a great repertoire. Life Death Tears Dream represents a life cycle, but this one should not be missed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Michala Petri's 'Chinese Recorder Concertos: East Meets West'

Michala Petri
Chinese Recorder Concertos: East Meets West
OUR Recordings

Recorder virtuoso, Michala Petri is joined by the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra and Tang Jianping, Bright Sheng, Ma Shui-long, and Chen Yi on this incredible recording of classical concert compositions. The frenzied, dramatic, and contemplative elements of classical music is brought to the forefront without any vocals. The recorder tones accentuate the melodies with a filmic, almost musical overtone. The brooding strings, airy woodwinds, and bellowing percussion only add to the incredible masterpieces. Tang Jianping composes three parts of Fei Ge (Flying Song); Bright Sheng brings us "Chi Lin's Dance" and "Flute Moon;" while Ma Shui-long contributes on "Andante Grandioso," Adagio Cantabile," and "Finale, Allegretto con Gioco." Chen Yi presents three songs celebrating ancient Chinese beauty. All songs are condutced by Lan Shui. At any rate, the classical instruments, stirring melodies, and instrumental eloquence is top-notch. Fans of Chinese classical music will especially love this one. Detailed liner notes are included in English and Chinese. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jeff Fairbanks' Project Hansori - Mulberry Street

Jeff Fairbanks' Project Hansori

Mulberry Street

BJURecords

The multicultural roots of Jeff Fairbanks' jazz project incorporates the elements of Korean, Chinese, and American Big Band styles. Moreover, Jeff was trained in classical music with experience in African-American gospel and Latin salsa genres, too. Though, the latter genres are not represented on this album. The striking four-part "Mulberry Street" medley of New York's Chinatown region contains sub-titles of "Entrance and Funeral March," "Scaring Away Evil Spirits with Joyful Sounds," "Releasing Grief," and "The Send-off." Named for a street in Chinatown, the songs reflect the Buddhist and Western funerary musical styles all on a palette of big band and Asian tones. Each song is instrumental and reflects the mid-twentieth century Spaghetti Western and other American film soundtracks of the period. Interestingly, the album is rather cohesive and fluid in its musical approach and execution. There are ecstatic moments, as well as quieter jams with short interjections of trumpet, sax, or trombone. Notably, 'hansori' means 'one sound' in Korean. In closing, Mulberry Street can be summed up in one word: magnificent! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sa Dingding's "Harmony"

Sa Dingding

Harmony

Wrasse Records

The Chinese and Mongolian-influenced Sa Dingding is no stranger to musical success. Her previous album, Alive (2007), was a preview of things to come. Harmony is an extension of Alive and is the product of Sa Dingding's musical maturity. The incorporation of contemporary beats with traditional instrumentation give Harmony a richly-textured musical adventure. The fairly polished production is similar in tone to what Te Vaka did for the South Pacific, or what Huun Huur Tu did for Mongolia. Harmony is a mix of global pop, electronica, fusion, and dance music. There is no void of catchy 'harmonies' as well. Though not for the ethnic purists, Harmony is one of those albums that reveals more of itself with each listen. Sa Dingding sings in Mandarin, Sanskrit, English, and her own self-created language. Most of the songs contain liner notes in English. Great job...again! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Urna's 1999 "Hodood"

Urna

Hodood

Trees Music & Art

Hodood, or "in the steppe", is a more traditional, yet somewhat modernized recording with various instrumentation, awe-inspiring vocals, and spacious sounds. Hodood is a perfect journey through a Mongolian and Chinese musical history. This album includes a little throat-singing, spoken word, and a sheng, also known as a mouth organ. A drum, zither, and cello to round out the instrumental repertoire. Urna's vocalizations are indicative of some European and Scandinavian folk-roots music. However, Urna's voice is distinctly Mongolian. One highlight of many is the track, "Sangjidorji", which is a rather poignant song about one of the most famous Freedom Fighters from the Ordos (southern Mongolia). The incredible quality of the music and production reminds the listener this might be a Real World Records release. In fact, it is difficult to believe all the sounds on Hodood do not incorporate some type of electronic instrumentation. The mix of shamanic sounds, haunting vocals, cool instrumentation, attractive packaging and detailed liner notes in English, Mongolian, and Chinese, make Hodood a remarkable album of contemporary Mongolian music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tibet's New Voice

Namgyal Lhamo
Pure
Silk Road Productions

Appropriately titled, Pure is a masterful display of vocal prowess and sensual instrumental sensibilities. Namgyal's voice is filled with emotion and a high degree of fluidity. In short, it is a perfect accompaniment to the dulcimer-like instrument, plucked lute and atmospheric elements. There are two instrumental tracks that should satisfy anyone interested in Central Asian and Chinese folk music. Additionally, a 16th and 17th century song conveys the traditional spirit of Tibet's distant past. Even though Namgyal lives in the Netherlands, her voice and spirit are still in Tibet. Anyone familiar with Yungchen Lhamo or Kelsang Tethong will thoroughly enjoy all three of Namgyal's available recordings. Pure is slightly more traditional than The Enchanted Land... album. Nevertheless, make an effort to acquire this contemplative and moving album of Tibetan music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: China's Wu Man [2 CD]

Wu Man
Wu Man [2 CD]
Nimbus

Wu Man is a popular pipa player from China. This exciting 2-CD set of traditional pipa music is a must-have for lute lovers and folk music collectors. The first CD features Wu Man's skilled pipa mastery on 7 tracks running a total length of 71 minutes. There are no vocals on both CD's. The second CD runs over 63 minutes in length and includes 9 tracks. While Wu's pipa is mostly unaccompanied on the first CD, she is joined by an ensemble on the second CD. The ensemble consists of erhu, gaohu, zheng, dizi, xiao, and suona. This adds some color to the musical repertoire, as well as textural tones that brighten the compositions. A 16-page booklet details the music of the pipa, as well as notes on the songs and performers. A pleasant listening experience for sure. ~ Matthew Forss