BAMBOO

Track Listings

1. Sun and Moon

2. Quiet Wind

3. Temple Bells

4. Bamboo

5. Thunderous Silence

6. Snow Forest

Editorial Reviews
Music Design June 1 1996
PC Davidoff's Bamboo is very respectful of your space. It is simply there for you to experience its beauty.

Product Description
Bamboo by PC Davidoff is music for relaxation. It drifts, soothing washes of sound over you. As the notes speak their wisdom they allow you to discover yours. Koto, Shakuhachi, Tambura, and Bamboo Flute come and go against a background of almost imperceptible synthesizer. Bamboo is a wonderful tool for contemplation, meditation, massage, yoga and all moments requiring a calm environment.

BAMBOO

BAMBOO,PC Davidoff,Garland of letters

BAMBOO

Tracks:

Capriccio For Chinese Flute
The Flower Of Hsin-Jang
A Tayal Folk Song
The Imperial Officer On Horseback Galloping By
Go Dating With My Love
The Maidens Of The Tea Mountain
Chatting With An Old Friend By The Window
The Song Of The Four Seasons
The Crab And The Egret

Customer Reviews:

Very pleasing listening.......2007-08-04

I wanted some music to accompany a slide show I was making of China trip photos. I bought four CDs of music spanning traditional to contemporary. This is my favorite for just listening to. The songs are varied and don't all sound the same.

Good tunes, mediocre arrangment.......2007-07-21

I would say that most of the songs are of good potential, but there is just too much western and electronic instrumentation for me to honestly call it traditional/classical chinese music. I like the CD overall, some tracks are very moving, a few are so electronic they're annoying, but almost all have at least some "foreign" instrumentation. It isn't a bad cd, but I would call it "easy listening", and not "classical chinese".

Fine for relaxing the car ride, but just like much of the dreadful so called "celtic music" flooding the market, this sounds like an alblum designed more for the incense burning crowd, and less for the ethnomusicologist.

A Wonderful CD.......2007-05-12

This CD is amazing. It has many unique aspects and I really enjoy listening to it.

Chinese Bamboo Flute Music : review.......2006-08-16

Great cd! It is so relaxing to listen to.

Very good sometimes, too electronic at others........2005-10-01

I was, overall, disappointed by this CD. There are many good reviews here, but they generally overpraise. Tracks 4 through 8 have too much synthesizer for my ears. A major highlight is track 9, The Crab and the Egret, but interestingly, the flute is accompaniment to the wondrous Chinese percussion. Disappointingly, the CD is only 40 minutes long and left me wanting more tunes without synthesizer accompaniment.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful score
A gorgeous film score
GREAT MUSIC.
Never Gets Boring
Great !!

House of Flying Daggers
Shigeru Umebayashi
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hero
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000 Film)
Memoirs of a Geisha
House of Flying Daggers
The Last Samurai

ASIN: B0006HC0R8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

Opening title
Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu)
The Echo Game
The Peonyhouse
Battle in the Forest
Taking her hand
Leo's Eyes
Lovers - Flower Garden
No way out
Lovers
Farewell No. 1
Bamboo Forest
Ambush in 10 directions (Shi Mian Mai Fu)
Leo's Theme
Mei and Leo
The House of Flying Daggers
Lovers (Mei and Jin)
Farewell No. 2
Until the end
Lovers (Title Song)

Amazon.com

The films of director Zhang Yimou have a panoramic sweep to them that deftly creates a fantastical vision of ancient Chinese culture for the screen. Yimou's eye for color and sense of drama demands a score that conveys the emotion, tradition and action of his movies. Here Shigeru Umebayashi tells each part of the story with a mix of traditional flute, drums, string instruments and, to a lesser degree, orchestra and moody-sounding synthesizers. The lilting melody of "Lovers" is particularly effective, simmering with a passion that leaves no doubt about the tone of the scene; it comes back to dramatic effect at other times in the film as well--the soundtrack closes with a soaring version of it by soprano Kathleen Battle. Similar to but not as heavy as Tan Dun's occasionally overbearing work on Yimou's film Hero, Umebayashi leans toward the subtle for this love story, and the film is better for it. - Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful score.......2006-11-13

I truly enjoy this CD. The music is enchanting, emotion-evoking, and powerful. I love to listen to it in order to relax before going to bed. I recommend this CD to anyone.

A gorgeous film score.......2006-09-24

"House of Flying Daggers" is one of my favorite Asian films from the past five years. One of the main reasons I love the film is the sumptuous classical film score by Shigeru Umebayashi. The classical score reminded me a great deal of the score for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The operatic ballad by Kathleen Battle is stunning. I don't normally like most opera music but I definitely enjoyed listening to Kathleen Battle. This is a lovely cd to relax to with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

GREAT MUSIC........2006-05-18

Not only was House of Flying Daggers a wonderful movie, but the music was breathtaking. If for no other reason purchase the CD and enjoy Kathleen Battle's rendition of Lovers.

Never Gets Boring.......2005-12-25

This album has everything good music needs. It's driving, subtle, powerful and soft. It is a truly amazing work of art. It gets the emotions of the characters and the events of the story out perfectly. A ballet could be performed to this score.

Great !!.......2005-07-19

The music is wonderful, the two songs are one of the best I've heard...

Average customer rating:

Very nice, but I think I may be cured
japanese Flute
A peek into the Japanese concept of musical composition
Instant Tranquility
It's A Goodie!

The Art of Japanese Bamboo Flute & Koto
Yamato Ensemble With Richard Stagg
Manufacturer: Arc Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi
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The Very Best of Japanese Music

ASIN: B000001IHL
Release Date: 1994-06-21

Tracks:

Hachidan
Zangetsu
Shika No Tone
Yaegoromo
Yamaji

Customer Reviews:

Very nice, but I think I may be cured.......2007-01-12

This review is about me. I think I'm finally cured of trying to get in touch with the real Japan through its music. I think I became part of a bubble where people like me create a demand and other people, with the best of intentions, do their best to satisfy it, and together we float off to God knows where. I guess for me the bubble just burst. Partly what burst it was noticing how much supposedly traditional Japanese music consisted of variations on traditional melodies. It is possible that that's authentic, but I suspected it had more to do with the musicians than the music. It sowed doubts and pricked the bubble. All this is no fault of this fine recording.

japanese Flute.......2006-03-23

G'day, I teach T'ai Chi and the sound work's well for my teaching.

Cheers Joseph a bit over 13 hitting 74 and going well.

A peek into the Japanese concept of musical composition.......2002-09-12

On this CD, the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and koto (Japanese stringed banjo) are played in such a way that one instrument trails the other in an interesting way. The music on this CD brings to light the different mentality of Japanese music; whereas Western harmony plays simultaneously, perhaps in counterpoint, the Japanese concept of composition staggers the musical line in time, so that one instrument follows the lead of the other--a bit like "Row Row Row Your Boat" (a canon or round) but not exactly. It's more like jazz improvisation, where the lead instrument of the moment, takes the rest of the combo on a musical ride.

It's hard to write about what you hear, but I liked this CD and found real insight into some aspects of Japanese music. Fascinating.

Instant Tranquility.......2000-09-29

This is just a great CD. Whenever I need to restore inner harmony after work, or dealing with any upsetting situation, this is the one I go to. Instantly I am transported to the calm, soothing setting of a traditional Japanese house and garden. It is fantastic for meditation, too. Let all the nonessentials of life slip away while you listen to this beautiful recording.

It's A Goodie!.......2000-04-30

One of my favorite CDs. Light some incense and get ready to be transported to Japan. Ideal for meditation or just soothing background music, this CD is a must for anyone who has wondered where to buy the type of music typically heard in Japanese restaurants. It produces a calming effect being that this CD has no "screeching" licks -- a trait which sometimes characterizes music performed on the Koto. This CD would also help create superb ambiance at your next sushi party! While (it is fairly obvious) I am not versed in Japanese music, I know that I love this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

LOVE THIS CD
Great for yoga practice

Water Down the Ganges
Joshua Prem , and Manish Vyas
Manufacturer: White Swan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Yatri
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Mudra

ASIN: B00006JID7
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

Water Down the Ganges
Habibi
Sawari
Trust
Ferryman's Tale
Moon Song
Ganga Pooja
Nisha

Album Description

The River Ganges plays an integral role in India's everyday culture and spirituality. This watery ribbon feeds the land and cleanses the souls of millions on its winding journey from the Himalayas to the sea. Inspired by the legendary river's mythic power, world travelers and long-time collaborators Prem Joshua and Manish Vyas, east-west alchemists of the highest order, invite you to take a trip down your "inner Ganges". Imbued with rich images of the East, Water Down the Ganges flows languidly from lush meditative ambience into rhythmic celebration of the great river of life.

Disciples of some of India's most respected master musicians, Joshua and Manish present this masterfully crafted recording, a perfect balance between acoustic clarity and electronic boldness. Just as one never stands in the same river twice, Water Down the Ganges offers a refreshingly new experience with each listen.

Album Description

2002 release from two extraordinary multi-instrumentalists features 8 tracks. White Swan.

Customer Reviews:

LOVE THIS CD.......2007-05-16

excellent work! this is a great loungey/mellow/trancey cd. it was given to me as a gift ~5 years ago and we still love it! highly recommend it, great fusion of indian & jazz.

Great for yoga practice.......2003-06-05

Namas te Prem and Manish!!

These two have created another great cd to practice yoga to. It has a modern upbeat that meshes great with vinyasa flow, then mellows to beautiful instrmental for seated poses and savasana.

It flows as a yogic journey like the title of the album implies.

I highly recommend this if you have a modern ear and a classical practice.

Tracks:

Topanga Dreams
Katyia's Dance
China Lily
Fertile Crescent
Lhasa Love
Aduman
Darjeeling Sunrise
Clouds across the Darkness
Silver Lake
Lotus

Album Description

About this CD (notes from the artist )

Topanga Dreams
Since 1988, I've lived in Topanga, California. This small mountain town has taught me the true meaning of community. By being there for each other, we can make dreams come true. May all your dreams come true...

Katyia's Dance
This song has evolved from being a solo dance performance piece in our Mystic Journey shows into a passionate tango...for two. So grab someone you love and enjoy the dance!

China Lily
This flute was a gift from my Dize (rhymes with pizza) teacher and is one of my favorites. Whenever I play it, I am transported to a place of inner peace and stillness.

Lhasa Love
I found this melody in a book of traditional Chinese folk songs, It was called Tibetan Dance before we transformed it into a lively multicultural boogie!

Aduman
Although there are many dialects spoken in the West African region of Guinea and Mali, the universal word for "sweet" amongst all the tribes is aduman.

Darjeeling Sunrise
Inspired by an Indian sunrise raga, this song reflects the experience that I had when I was on top of Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, India, witnessing a magical sunrise illuminating the awesome Himalayan mountains.

Customer Reviews:

A Poetic Journey..........2004-05-05

I fell in love with the music of The Angels of Venice years ago, and thus when I learned that Suzanne Teng (a former "Angel") had produced a solo work, I was very excited. But the music on this CD easily surpasses anything Teng had done with the Angels of Venice. Lyrical melodies, accompanied by enthnic rhythms on traditional percussion instruments, overlaid with Teng's own haunting performances on Asian flute, transport the listener to another time and another place -- both in this world, and in the "otherworld" created by Teng's mystical music edge. Tibetan singing bowls, Middle-Eastern bells, Celtic strings and a vast assortment of drums and wind instruments create a musical whirlwind that will leave the listener breathlessly awaiting Teng's next musical offering.

Nice!.......2004-01-01

Suzanne Teng, the original flutist with the group "Angels of Venice", breaks out on her own in this playful and exotic 1999 release. Teng shows herself a master of flutistry, not only the playing the standard western "C" flute, but also piccolo, alto and bass flutes, dize (Chinese bamboo flute), ney (Turkish flute) and panpipes. Her tone is rich and liquid, and her improvisations range from jazzy to sinuous to ephemeral depending on the style of the piece. Many of the selections have a strong Near- or Far Eastern flavor, but the mood remains gentle and cheerful throughout the album, without any of the dark intensity that characterizes some of the "Angels'" work. Teng is not alone in "Mystic Journey" either; many guest artists lend their well-established talents to the mix to create ever-varied layers of texture. Gilbert Levy provides intricate world percussion accompaniments, while cellist Martin Tillman, Prince Diabate, Hans Christiansen of Rasa and Greg Ellis of Vas (among others) also pop in to lend a hand, making for a richly orchestrated album that is full of apt and interesting surprises. Occasionally the flute melodies seem a little trite and meandering, qualities that are at odds with the earthy, percussive background, but overall this album is appealing. Teng's simultaneously light and down-to-earth compositions find ways to be relaxing without being boring--a common pitfall for many New Age artists. The music of "Mystic Journey" would be great for warm-ups and slow-dancing for belly dancers, as well as just pleasant listening after a mundane and stressful day at work. Other recordings featuring Suzanne Teng's flute-playing include "Awake Inside a Dream" and "Music for Flute, Harp and Cello" by the Angels of Venice. For more bamboo and metal flute improvisations, in this case without accompaniment, check out also Richard Warner's "Quiet Heart / Spirit Wind".

Fabulous!.......2002-07-05

I ordered this CD after only hearing two songs which I "accidentally" heard while flipping the channels of the television. There was a performance done on Public Access and I was surprised to see that a CD was available. I ordered one for myself and a friend who is a yoga instructor. I love this CD! It is perfect for yoga or meditation or even just in the background while working. The music is heartfelt and joyous and everyone who hears it immediately loves it. I would definitly recommend it, especially if you are looking to expand your collection of instrumental music. Personally, I love flute pieces, so this was a perfect choice for me.

Fabulous.......2001-06-28

I caught Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey on vacation at this year's Topanga Days festival, but didn't buy the CD. I thought about their music the whole rest of the trip and ordered the CD as soon as I got home. It's truly magnificent and beautiful music, and I could listen to the CD over and over. Perfect background for anything - reading, meditating, special dinners, yoga, whatever. I find myself getting up just to move to the music. They're all very talented and the CD is a real stress-melter.

Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time.......2000-08-31

This is really an excellent independently-produced CD. Some of the tunes are fairly straight-forward, rhythmic wonders with Ms. Teng's incredible flute playing polishing them off. Others are more "world" sounding incorporating thraot singing and chanting. There is not a bad cut on the CD. Listen to Katiya's Waltz, and try to concentrate on the beautiful music while your feet waltz across the floor.

Average customer rating:

Songs from the Island

Big Bamboo
Stanley & The Turbines
Manufacturer: Jamaican Gold
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000GAQT
Release Date: 1995-12-01

Tracks:

Big Bamboo
Young Gal
Calypso On The Island
Balm Yard
Dream Of Me
Carnival
Memories
Oh Beverly
Where Have All The Young Girls Gone

Customer Reviews:

Songs from the Island.......2000-06-26

Introduced to "Big Bamboo" down in Jamica, great 'fun' song...keep out of reach of the kiddies and oldies...

Flowing Stream: Chinese Folk Songs by Zhou Long

Average customer rating:

Excellent renditions and arrangements of chinese folk tunes

Flowing Stream: Chinese Folk Songs by Zhou Long
Zhou Long
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tales From the Cave
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Zhou Long: Rhymes

ASIN: B000009SDZ
Release Date: 1998-08-04

Tracks:

Chinese Folk Songs: Lan Hua Hua
Chinese Folk Songs: Driving The Mule Team
Chinese Folk Songs: The Flowing Stream
Chinese Folk Songs: Jasmin Flower
Chinese Folk Songs: A Horseherd's Mountain Song
Chinese Folk Songs: When Will the Aacia Bloom?
Chinese Folk Songs: A Single Bamboo Can Easily Bend
Chinese Folk Songs: Leaving Home
Poems from Tang: I. Hut Among The Bamboo
Poems from Tang: II. Old Fisherman
Poems from Tang: III. Hearing The Monk Xun Play The Qin
Poems from Tang: IV. Song Of Eight Unruly Tipsy Poets
Soul for String Quartet And Pipa

Customer Reviews:

Excellent renditions and arrangements of chinese folk tunes.......1998-11-03

I was skeptical at first of this particular CD, but the initial listening converted me. The Shanghai String does an excellent job of representing the feel and emotional content of these chinese folk tunes. Zhou Long arranged the traditional tunes for the quartet, and he did a magnificent job.

Average customer rating:

F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.!
At LAST the complete series ORIGINAL soundtrack, the wait is over!

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Manufacturer: Film Score Monthly
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Vol. 2
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Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The Saint/Secret Agent

ASIN: B0006SSQ8E
Release Date: 2005-01-04

Tracks:

First Season Main Title
Vulcan Affair
Deadly Games Affair
Double Affair
Project Strigas Affair
King of Knaves Affair
Fiddlesticks Affair
Meet Mr. Solo
First Season End Title
Second Season End Title
Alexander the Greater Affair

Tracks:

Foxes and Hounds Affair
Discotheque Affair
Re-Collectors Affair
Arabian Affair
Tigers Are Coming Affair
Cherry Blossom Affair
Dippy Blonde Affair
Third Season End Title
Her Master's Voice Affair
Monks of St. Thomas Affair
Pop Art Affair
Fourth Season (Main Title)
Summit-Five Affair
"J" for Judas Affair

Customer Reviews:

F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.!.......2006-02-02

I've got the original music (including v2 and v3), the books (the best is Heitland's The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Book; still in print);
the 22 VHS tapes issued in the early 1990's (a haphazard collection issued in no particular order of episodes that boasted famous guest stars). Can I please get the whole series on DVD? I have not seen Mother Fear toying with Illya (The Children's Day Affair) in over 40 years.

At LAST the complete series ORIGINAL soundtrack, the wait is over!.......2005-07-12

Many of us have always thought The Man From UNCLE had the best music for a TV series ever, and this three double CD release confirms this. Wow! I'd be just happy with one CD, but having SIX (three double CDs packages) is absolutely out of this world, I mean, a lifetime wait come true.

Indeed, this is an unbelievable collection of three double CDs packages with the complete series soundtrack, and I mean the complete music, not a tune is missing.

And this is the ORIGINAL Man From Uncle music. Let me stress the point: this is the four years ORIGINAL soundtrack with the original recordings as they were heard throughout the series, not a no-name orchestra doing personal versions of the stuff. The audio transfer is very, very good, the music from late episodes is even in stereo.

Each individual CD carries over 70 minutes of music. All in all there you have the four TV seasons main titles and all, absolutely all of TMFU unforgetable music.

This is not a chronological release, meaning, all CDs have a mix of music from all four TV seasons. Volume 1 is heavier on early TV seasons stuff, fans of Jerry Goldsmith will love it. Those of us who prefer what Gerald Fried and later Richard Shores did with TMFU music, then volume 2 is mandatory. If you are a fan, you can't miss any of these six CDs. However if buying all three double packages is too much for you, you must go with Volume 2, no questions asked. Volume three is the weakest of them as it brings "suites" and a whole CD with "The Girl From Uncle" soundtrack, but you have a bonus "Open Channel D" beeper.

Each package is gorgeous, each with a glossy color booklet with extensive liner notes with details on how each tune was written to a specific TV series episode and how it was used onwards. You have bios on the composers, on how the recordings were made, even an overview on how many instruments were available in each of the years the music was recorded.

So, throw away your Hugo Montenegro Man From Uncle CD, this is the REAL thing.

Average customer rating:

perhaps my favourite jw
Perfect for a quiet, cloudy Sunday Morning
Well intended, but...
lovely
Expanding the Horizon

The Magic Box
Martin Loveday , and Anthony Pleeth
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B000065APV
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

O Bia
Township Kwela
Maki
Engome
Malinke Guitars
Masanga
Musha Musiki
Mitopa
Triangular Situations
Guitar Makossa
The Magic Box
Omby
Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
Djandjon
Sangara

Amazon.com

With his crystalline articulation and extraordinary rhythmic prowess, John Williams ranks among the greatest solo voices the acoustic guitar has ever known. Now, with the joyous evocations of the African guitar tradition, Williams has hit upon his most emotionally satisfying crossover recital to date. Though both chief soloist and arranger, Williams nevertheless avoids shining the spotlight on his virtuosic skills--even his solo showcase, "Masagna," places greater emphasis on the tune's folkish incantations. He allows plenty of melodic space for the likes of steel-string player John Ethridge, while guiding listeners through the idiomatic flora and fauna of the pan-African experience: from the hornpipelike airs of Madagascar ("Mitopa") and kora-styled arpeggios of Mali ("Malinke Guitars") through to intimations of South African vocal traditions with a lovely children's chorus on the anthem of the African National Congress, "Nikosi Sikelel'I Africa." Simply expressive and deeply felt, Magic Box exudes a universal vibe that transcends borders and nationalities. --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

perhaps my favourite jw.......2004-10-20

you gotta give it to john, he tries new stuff. and traditionalists may snob his later recordings, he has a gift of bringing life to guitar music.

the repertoire is different, cute and enjoyable.

my only critisicm is that the steel string solos get a bit monotonous in some of the pieces, but this is only because its not to my taste.

Perfect for a quiet, cloudy Sunday Morning.......2003-11-16

I have Magic Box playing and a small water sculpture flowing as I type this and the combination is just about perfect. I wouldn't call myself a sophisticated listener, even though I bought my first Segovia recording as a teenager in the early 1960s and, over the years, have accumulated quite a few recording by Segovia, Isbin, Williams, Parkening, and others. I never tire of listening to these superb guitarists playing Rodrigo and Bach and the other standards but, every once in a while, it is a pleasure to hear something a little out of the ordinary. It takes a special talent for a classically trained musician to handle pop or folk material with any success - as it does for pop/folk musicians to go the other way. Williams does it with ease.

Well intended, but..........2002-12-21

Being quite close to some of the sources for some of these pieces, I was both thrilled that they had been recognized, while a bit disappointed in the actual music treatment on Magic Box, which I found rather tepid and polite compared to the originals.

Paul-Bert Rahasimanana is much better known as Rossy, and he has many albums, most available on Amazon.com. Unfortunately, the links on this page don't tell you that. I have produced him, and toured and performed with him. He's an amazing musician. I hope people take the time to listen to his music.

Another source musician, Ralanto, is on the cover of an album called Moon and the Banana Tree, a 1995 compendium of acoustic guitar players in Madagascar which I produced for Shanachie. Omby, the piece John Williams covers, is on that album, and again, I hope people will take the time to seek that album out as well. Williams recently referred to it in an interview as a real eye-opener. I wish he could have heard Resting Place of the Mists, the companion CD which is already out of print.

Africa (including Madagascar, which is more properly associated with Indian Ocean culture than with Africa) has some of the most astounding guitar players on earth. Hearing an admittedly superb classical guitarist attempt to do that material justice requires that the listener either be unaware of the source, or willing to ignore it and judge the extremely European treatment he offers, which is dramatically inside the limits of the source. With all due respects, I truly hope it will draw some folks to listen to the real thing.

lovely.......2002-11-02

Classical guitarist extraordinaire John Williams has never been afraid to set out on little side-trips, away from the mainstream of the classical guitar literature. Beyond taking part on occasion in big orchestra-backed 'pops' excursions, he has regularly immersed himself in avant-garde, jazz, and even rock projects (for example the band 'Sky'). "The Magic Box" therefore does not really represent Williams doing anything unusual for him, but it does expand his repertoire within the world of folk and international music, in this case the traditional music of Africa. I find most of this material very attractive, but somehow a little less involving than when it is played on native instrumentation (perhaps simple beauties just cannot be improved upon...). Nevertheless, as always Williams executes each item in the program with grace and understanding, and with a level of gentleness and respect that one expects from a classical musician of his calibre. Call it a worthwhile experiment--though I'm not sure I would clamor for an encore.

Expanding the Horizon.......2002-07-18

In pursuing his goal of expanding guitar music beyond the traditional Spanish repertoire, Williams and friends have produced a very enjoyable collection of African style music. The blend of percussion, bass, and wind instruments gives it even more flavor. Particularly delightful is track 3, "Maki," with Williams playing beautiful tremolo and strumming on a bright sounding requinto. Several other pieces give off a similar tropical, mellow, and happy feeling. I'm eagerly anticipating Williams' next project and where he will take us.

Average customer rating:

Bamboo
WAK
A Master Steps Out of the Shadows!!
Highly recommended

Bamboo
Kazu Matsui , and Kazu Matsui
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Stone Monkey
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ASIN: B00005V5PI
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Shrine
Black Bird & The Bamboo Forest
Small Monk, Opening The Gate
Sign Of The Snow Crane
Dancing In The Remaining Lights
Talking With The Rice Spirits
Up In The Sky
Legend Of The Lake
Riding With The Sword
The Desert

Amazon.com

You've probably heard shakuhachi flute player Kazu Matsui without knowing it. He has performed on albums by Ry Cooder and Joni Mitchell and he's played on numerous film scores including Jumanji, Shogun, Legends of the Fall, Willow, and Empire of the Sun. On his memorable debut recording for Narada, he continues bringing an old-fashioned Japanese instrument into the present-day world, interweaving keyboards, sampled percussion (from gamelan to hand drums), and rhythm programming, plus the graceful playing of popular jazz pianist Keiko Matsui, with his skilled, dramatic playing. There's an amiable synergy between his time-honored melodic approach, Keiko's flowing performances, and the modern grooves underscoring many of the compositions. While the album does possess moments of strained contemporariness, Bamboo maintains a sense of spirituality and wonder that keeps it fresh and fun. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

Bamboo.......2005-09-19

The whole CD was excellent. The music was well composed and put together. The songs were relaxing and easy to listen to. The music was great to listen to while taking a daily walk through the city. It reminded me of nature and the beauty of this country.

WAK.......2002-08-04

Last year I attended a Keiko Matsui concert with a friend. I would not have gone by myself because I am not a big fan of "smooth jazz". Near the end of the concert, Kazu came out and played two pieces. I was awaked from my drowsy state by the piercing, ethereal sound of the shakuhachi. I was therefore very excited when I discovered that Kazu had recorded a CD.

However, I was generally disappointed when I listened to the songs. Kazu recorded this with Keiko. Therein lies the problem. There much too much Keiko - solos, interludes, etc and not enough Kazu. The shakuhachi is too often not the focal point and barely audible.

Will I throw the CD out? No, the music is worth listening to. But, my advice to Kazu is to cut the umbilical cord with Keiko. The music will be far more interesting.

A Master Steps Out of the Shadows!!.......2002-03-10

Most shakuhachi recordings are sad, meditative Zen solo pieces. These recordings show the control of the player...but the music is just for meditation and not for listening pleasure. On this album Kazu Matsui has blended the hollow, meditative sound of the shakuhachi with piano and synthesizer for a truly wonderful experience. Listen to "Up in the Sky" ...he shows great control of his flute and a melodic side that few shakuhachi players ever reveal.

Highly recommended.......2002-02-16

This music is absolutely beautiful. Spiritual,soothing( and at times even spunky) .This is just the thing to sit back and relax to.All of the tracks are just lovely and flow very nicely into one each other. My favorite by far is "Sign of the Snow Crane" a beautiful melodious piece. All in all this is a wonderful buy. I highly recommend it to fans and non-fans of new age music.There something here for everyone to appreciate.

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