CD Review: Tri Nguyen's 'Consonnances'

Tri Nguyen
Consonnances
Lunelios

The music of Vietnam is rarely available to mainstream, world music listeners. However, Tri Nguyen's new album, Consonnances, will hopefully reignite a global passion for the traditional and classical artforms of Vietnam's musical styles and influences. Tri's latest release contains thirteen different tracks of traditional and classical-tinged folk music on the dan tranh (a Vietnamese zither with close ties to the Japanese koto, Chinese guzheng, and the Korean kayagum), as well as classical strings. The contemplative, serene, and beautifully-sweeping melodies capture a very moving and emotive side to instrumental music rarely observed in other settings. Tri's utilization of melodic tones and cheery tempos makes Consonnances shine with inner and outer beauty. The classical undertones resemble Mongolian, Chinese, Japanese, and even American theatrical soundtracks from the 1940's and 50's. At any rate, Tri Nguyen is a welcome addition to the world of music and highlights the importance of Vietnamese music necessary for any music fan of Southeast and East Asia. ~ 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: 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: Qetiq's 'Rock From Taklamakan Desert'

Qetiq
Rock From Taklamakan Desert
Dreyer Gaido

Uyghur rock music? You bet. This is a compelling, energetic, and unforgettable romp through the rock music of northwest China's Xinjiang province. There is a good combination of electric guitar, bass, drum, and vocals. The vocals are at times akin to Pearl Jam's lead singer. However, the music is not as hard as Pearl Jam. There are a plethora of traditional instruments in the mix, which includes dutar, citar, darbouka, riqq, and daf. There is even a little throat-singing on "Qara Jorgha," which plaintively accompanies the sweet sounds of the dutar. The emotive "Ag Bayan" is a great vocal and instrumental ballad - no matter what language it may be in. These songs come from a Uyghur and Kazakh perspective. Each track contains beautiful melodies and instrumentation that cannot be missed or ignored. Anyone interested in contemporary rock music with a traditional twist from China's northern deserts will love this one. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mara Measor's Self-Titled Debut

Mara Measor
Mara
Good Mood Records

A Hong Kong native and current New York resident, Mara Measor, brings a cultured and flavoured mix of alternative pop and jazz with her debut album out this month. Mara is a vocalist, guitarist, and ukulele player. The English vocals are akin to the soft-spoken and soulful Leona Naess, while capturing the charm of Regina Spektor. Mara is joined by Jamie Lawrence on keyboards, cello, harmonium, slide guitars, drums, and assorted percussion. There are additional musicians on strings and guitars. Overall, the melodies and rhythms are rather intimate and sweet without much of a big sound or abrasive pounding, which is great. The repeated sounds and lines are indicative of Katie Melua's recent works. There are twelve diverse songs that are memorable and infectious. Anyone interested in meaningful music and sincere, sweet vocals should check out Mara's new release. Simply amazing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Urna's 'Portrait: The Magical Voice From Mongolia'

Urna
Portrait: The Magical Voice of Mongolia
Network

Urna is an Inner Asian songstress from the great, vast expanse of Mongolia. With ties to China and Western Europe, Urna employs a range of instrumentation that represents Inner Asian genres. The violin, zither, sheng, cello, zarb, udo, viola, accordion, morin huur, sax, guitar, and assorted percussion make up the instrumental repertoire on many of the songs. The spacious acoustics and free-flowing vocals are not particularly throat-singing examples. This is classic, Mongolian vocal and instrumental music that is calm, reserved, and contemplative. It is not rigid, boring, or plain. The music is similar in tone to contemporary examples coming out of Nepal and Tibet. Yungchen Lhamo is a similar comparison. At any rate, the thirteen tracks and one hour of music are a joy for fans of Inner Asian folk music. Liner notes are in German, English, and French. ~ 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: Urna's 2001 "Jamar"

Urna

Jamar

Trees Music & Art

Mongolia's Urna performs her signature vocals on Jamar. In this case, Mongolia's national instrument, the morin huur (horsehead fiddle), makes an appearance, unlike on her other recordings. In addition, a zither, percussion, and throat-singing is included, too. Jamar is closely aligned with elements of Chinese folk music, which results from Urna's global wanderings over the years. It is an engaging journey, a movie soundtrack, a day on the steppes, and a peaceful river of harmony, style, and rhythm. A particularly interesting track is "Grandmother and I". It features a spritely rhythm, good tempo, folk-roots elements, lively vocals, and catchy sounds. The zither sounds similar in tone to a cross between a piano and acoustic guitar. Jamar is a trans-global recording primarily inspired by the historical roots of Mongolian and Chinese music creations. Urna is easily one of the best recording artists to emerge out of Mongolia. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mamer - Eagle

Mamer
Eagle
Real World

Born in China's northwestern Xinjiang province, Mamer has been a pervasive figure in Chinagrass music: a blend of traditional Kazakh folk music and Chinese bluegrass. Mamer plays the guitar, dombra, sherter (plucked lute), Jew's harp, and dabel drum. He is joined by members of his band, IZ, on ghijek, kobyz, and sybyzghy (end-blown flute), as well as Mongolia's Hanggai, Grammy Award-winning musician, Bela Fleck on banjo, and a bonus track by the late-Hector Zazou. On Eagle, the ethnic elements of traditional, nomadic cultures encounter contemporary musical production and innovation. The throaty vocals of Mamer float gently alongside folksy instrumentation. In fact, the whole musical package is aptly named Eagle, because, it soars high like an eagle. Everyone who listens to Mamer will find themselves floating with excitement. It's that good. ~ 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