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"If you forget yourself, you
become the universe."
-- Zen Master, Hakuin Ortegamare
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Quick Ordering for
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Selected Clips: Mei Han and Randy Raine-Reusch redefine the zheng, and challenge the world of Chinese music in general. Together they have invented new tunings, developed virtuosic techniques, expanded old structures and created radical new forms of expression on this ancient instrument. The zheng originated as a simple 5 string folk instrument made from bamboo. Over the past three thousand years it has grown in size to become an important instrument in Asia. Now boasting from 21 to 23 strings, it is the parent instrument of the Asian long zither family including the Korean kayageum, Japanese koto, and Vietnamese dan tranh. Mei Han and Randy Raine-Reusch are now taking the zheng beyond the borders of Asia, from a culturally specific instrument to a serious instrument for the international stage. They have created a radical new repertoire, combining five thousand years of Chinese musical traditions with those of New Music, World Music, and Jazz. These rich innovations result from the collision of two cultures: Chinese virtuoso Mei Han's deep roots in traditional music and the modern innovations of Canadian multi-instrumentalist Randy Raine-Reusch. Mei Han is a rare blend of virtuoso performer and scholar, whose career spans three continents. Her performances have been broadcast nationally in China and Canada, and are included in numerous records and CDs sold throughout the world. Randy Raine-Reusch is a composer, international concert-artist, and multi-instrumentalist with a collection of over six hundred world instruments. Specializing in New Music for World Instruments, he has worked with numerous artists from Pauline Oliveros to Aerosmith and The Cranberries, and from Robert Dick and Barry Guy to Sainkho Namtchylak. With concerts ranging from new versions of traditional folksongs to modern sonic soundscapes, Han's sensual melodic style compliments and contrasts with the vigorous improvisations of Raine-Reusch. Their dynamic performances continuously invigorate, fascinate and amaze. These two innovators boldly step from the past to the future, constructing exciting new forms of expression for the coming Millennium. |
Distant
Wind Five thousand years of Chinese musical traditions combine with those of New Music, World Music, and Jazz. The first recording of works for two zhengs. This release comes highly recommended. "This is strong stuff...what we have here is not so much a cross-cultural fusion as a collection of first rate compositions that just happen to be played on instruments unfamiliar to most North American ears." -- Alexander Varty, The Georgia Straight "Han and Raine-Reusch both contribute distinct approaches to music that harmonize well together. As well, they share an adventurous spirit that challenges each other to explore new techniques and achieve a profound depth of feeling...you don't need to be an ethnomusicologist to enjoy Distant Wind. The album simply has deep soul." -- Chris Wong, The Vancouver Courier 7 tracks in 54:11 :::>>> Tell A Friend About This CD From Drimala If you like this cd, you might also enjoy listening to: Gudira (Barry Guy, Robert Dick, and Randy Raine-Reusch) Deluxe Improvisation Series (Brett Larner) Mystic Journey (Suzanne Teng) Bansuri Dreams (John Wubbenhorst) The View You Never Get (Georgian Contemporary Unit) |
