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Far Side Music > ASIAN new age / healing

Hikari IroLIPS
Hikari Iro


Price:   £15.99

(Reference #FSD3960)

New Age / Healing / Japanese Traditional female duo on koto and flute play a bit of classical (Debussy) a bit of jazz (Take Five) and some Japanese lyrical tunes (Sakura). 10 tracks. 1.Haru no Yoru 2. Shunka 3. Byakko 4. Sosuika 5. Uyuudai 6. Amairo no Kami no Otome 7. Oborozukiyo 8.Take Five 9. Muso 10. Sakura


JIA PENG FANG
Memories - Jia Peng Fang Best

(Reference #FSD3885)

Jia Peng Fang started playing the Chinese erhu ( 2 stringed bowed violin) from the age of 8. He studied at the Central Music Academy's Folk Music Department in Beijing before he moved to Japan in 1988. where he teaches and plays with musicians from the Japanese pop, jazz and classical music worlds, plays on TV commercials and film soundtracks. He has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York. His music is a blend of Chinese and Western music, backed by synthesizers into a kind of New Age style. 12 tracks including newly released versions. 1. Sirious (from Faraway) 2. Silent Moon (from River) 3. Sweet Dreams (from Rainbow) 4. A Water Lilly (from Faraway) 5. Rainbow (from Rainbow) 6. Pure (from Faraway) 7. Bokyo 8. Xinglin Hupan (from River) 9. Shichahai in the Morning (from River) 10. Mirage of the Fall (from River) 11. Memory of Childhood (from Rainbow) 12. Silent Moon (Studio Live Version).


Price:   £18.99

Memories - Jia Peng Fang Best


The Music of EarthTONE
The Music of Earth


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD3854)

Tone are Yukihiro Mitsuka (shakuhachi and group leader), Mihoko Ono (koto) and Ryoichi Soyama (acoustic guitar, synthesizer. Their music combines traditional instruments with western sounds. While interesting in places, their sound is overall quite lightweight bordering on BGM elevator music. 1. Annupuri 2. Kakko no Mori 3. Kaze 4. Chikyu-Misaki 5. Kamuy 6. Yoko 7. Shuppatsu 8. Ishikari-gawa



The Music of Earth - 2nd

(Reference #FSD3855)

In much the same vain as the first album. Fairly lightweight songs combining shakuhachi and koto with guitar and synthesizers. 1. Harunire no Ki 2. Tokachino 3. Toypira 4. The Music of Earth 5. Sunayama 6. Hamanasu 7.Daichi 8. Toya 9. Yuki Monogatari 10. Hoshi no Furu Sato.


Price:   £18.99

The Music of Earth - 2nd


The Music of Earth IIITONE
The Music of Earth III


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD3856)

The group are based in Hokkaido and draw inspiration from the mountains, seasons and the general beauty of their environment. On this album are some exciting moments as well some other rather forgetable ones. 1. Kita Hiko 2. Tono 3. Natsuame 4. Komori Uta 5. Kiri no Hi 6. Yume Tome 7. Hana Densetsu 8. Kyoshu 9. Tabi 10. Michi


TONE
The Music of Earth 4th - Warmth

(Reference #FSD3865)

Latest album, 11 tracks of healing, new age meets Japanese traditional.


Price:   £18.99

The Music of Earth 4th - Warmth


Four SeasonsTONE
Four Seasons


Price:   £14.99

(Reference #FSD3857)

Mini album with four tracks one for each of the seasons. 1. Fuyu (Winter) 2. Haru (Spring) 3. Natsu (Summer) 4. Aki (Autumn).


COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 1. (A - I)

(Reference #FSD3813)

Famous Japanese songs played healing new age style by the group Collage featuring koto player Mie Kato and producer Hiroshi Igarashi, on synthesizer, programming, guitar and other instruments. Tracks include Aoge ba Toutoshi, Akai Kutsu, Aka-tombo, Amefuri, Amefuri Otsuki san, Amefuri Kumano ko.




Price:   £11.99

Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 1. (A - I)


Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 2. (I - O)COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 2. (I - O)


Price:   £11.99

(Reference #FSD3814)

Koto plus synthesizer and other western instruments on versions of famous Japanese tunes including Inu no Omawari san, Ue o Muite Arukou, Umi, Ureshii Hinamatsuri, Edo Komoriuta, Ookina Kuri no Ki no Shitade, Oshogatsu.



COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 3. (O - Ka)

(Reference #FSD3815)

Pleasant enough new age healing versions of Japanese songs on koto and luscious keyboard arrangements. Tracks include Ohanashi Yubi san, Oborozukiyo, Omocha no Cha Cha Cha, Kahsan no Uta, Kata, Tataki, Kamome no Suihei san, Karatachi no Hana.




Price:   £11.99

Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 3. (O - Ka)


Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 4. (Ki - Ko)COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 4. (Ki - Ko)


Price:   £11.99

(Reference #FSD3816)

Koto plays Japanese well known songs with western accompaniment: Kisha Poppo, Kyo no Hi wa Saoyounara, Koinobori, Kojo no Tsuki, Kono Michi, Konnichiwa Aka chan



COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 5. (Sa - Su)

(Reference #FSD3817)

The famous tracks on this one include Sakura Sakura, Sacchan, Shiawase nara Te o Tatakou, Shiki no Uta, Jidai, Shabom-dama, Zui Zui Zukkorobashi.




Price:   £11.99

Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 5. (Sa - Su)


Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 6. (Se - Tsu)COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 6. (Se - Tsu)


Price:   £11.99

(Reference #FSD3818)

Sei-kurabe, Zosan, Takibi, Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa, Tulip, Tsuki no Sabaku, Tsubas o Kudasai and other tunes played on koto and western instrumentation by the group Collage.



COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 7. (Te - Na)

(Reference #FSD3819)

Collage play Te ho Hira o Taiyo ni, Tohryan se, Doremi no Uta, Donguri Koro Koro, Tombo no Megane, Nada Sou Sou, Natsuno Omoide and other well known Japanese tunes.




Price:   £11.99

Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 7. (Te - Na)


Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 8. (Na - Fu)COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 8. (Na - Fu)


Price:   £11.99

(Reference #FSD3820)

Tracks include Nanatsu no Ko, Hana, Hanyu no Yado, Hamachidori, Hamabe no Uta, Haru ga Kita, Haru no Ogawa



COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 9. (Fu - Mu)

(Reference #FSD3821)

This selection of tracks includes Fuyugeshiki, Fuyu no Seiza, Furusato, Hotoru no Hikari, Miagete goran Yoru no Hoshi o, Mikan no saku Oka, Musunde Hiraite




Price:   £11.99

Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 9. (Fu - Mu)


Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 10. (Me - Wa)COLLAGE
Healing Koto - 100 Japanese Songs on Koto Vol. 10. (Me - Wa)


Price:   £11.99

(Reference #FSD3822)

Tracks on the final volume of Japanese songs played on koto with new age style accompaniment include Medaka no Gakko, Momiji, Yashi no Mi, Yuhi, Yuyake Koyake, Yuki, Ryoshu, Ringo no Uta


VARIOUS
Yashi VI

(Reference #FSD3720)

Latest compilation from Chapter One / Pacific Moon of Asian New Age / Healing with artists from China and Japan. These include Jia Peng-Fang on erhu (Chinese bowed violin) Hiroshi Nagashima on oud (Arabic lute), taiko group Bonten, pianist Masaji Watanabe, composer Kiyoshi Yoshida and Tone, a trio of shakuhachi, koto and guitar.


Price:   £16.99

Yashi VI


Butterfly EffectHAJIME
Butterfly Effect


Price:   £17.99

(Reference #FSD3592)

Hajime is a pianist who divides his time between Paris and Sapporo. He's known for his melodious compositions in a kind of new age/healing style that are sometimes performed with an ensemble. Has played at major festivals in Japan such as the Rising Sun rock festival and overseas such as MIDEM 2007 (Cannes) and Manchester In the City 2006. 12 tracks including Butterfly Effect, Le Papillon de Paris, and Travel Notes in Napoli Mercato, Sicily Rondo and Okinawa.


HIDEKI TOGI
Out of Border

(Reference #FSD3551)

Hideki Togi plays the sho (bamboo mouth organ) and hichiriki (flute) instruments used in the stately court music, gagaku. He played the traditional music with the Imperial Palace Gagaku Orchestra, but has become much better known for breathing new life into the instruments by playing a kind of new age music. On this album he sinks to new depths (or reaches new heights depending on your point of view) playing covers of western classics, and Japanese pop hits. These include Romeo & Juliet (Prokofiev), Turandot (Puccini) and Japanese pop songs Sweet Memories and Yozora no Muko (SMAP).


Price:   £18.99

Out of Border


Buddhist Chanting- Music for the Path to Spiritual EnlightenmentVARIOUS
Buddhist Chanting- Music for the Path to Spiritual Enlightenment


Price:   £9.99

(Reference #FSD2442)

'On Buddhist Chanting-Music For the Path to Spiritual Enlightenment', Nascente's Far Eastern expert, Paul Fisher has compiled a unique double album of mantras and Buddhist music. The electronic keyboard accompaniment augmented by Chinese traditional elements contained on this album is designed to add accessibility and atmosphere to the overall effect- creating music suitable for Buddhist prayers as well as being perfect for relaxing and unwinding to, whatever your path.' 2 CD set, 6 tracks. Click Read About for the full liner notes.



BLUE ASIA
Hotel Ibah

(Reference #FSD2852b)

Blue Asia is the brain child of Japanese producer Makoto Kubota. He toured the world in the 1980s with his group the Sunset Gang, and the later the Sunsetz. He introduced Okinawan and Asian elements into his music, eventually becoming a full time producer, working with a variety of artists from Indonesia (Elvy Sukaesih, Detty Kurnia) to Madagascar (Njava). His co-conspiritors in Blue Asia are long time assistant Yoichi Ikeda and Malaysians Mac Chew and Jenny Chin, both Berklee graduates and top arrangers. Hotel Ibah is their first album featured around the gamelan music of Bali. As always with Kubota's projects, the is of the highest quality. Original, inspiring, a cool ambience of jegog bamboo gamelan, kecak chants, suling flutes, bells, chimes and more blended together with stylized electronic backing.


Price:   £18.99

Hotel Ibah


Hotel Ibah (with DVD)BLUE ASIA/MAKOTO KUBOTA
Hotel Ibah (with DVD)


Price:   £20.99

(Reference #FSD1704)

DVD with music by four Asian musicians produced and mixed by Makoto Kubota. Balinese and Sundanese gamelan expertly melded together by a master producer with some Turkish and Middle Eastern influences broadening the soundscape. More mellow than most things Kubota's done but this makes great late night listening and on headphones.The visuals are of scenes, images, festivals, and people of Bali, beatifully put together.


MAKOTO KUBOTA
Hotel Waimea

(Reference #FSD1802a)

Third album in Kubota's fascinating 'hotel' series, and after Bali and Turkey, this time focused on Hawaii. Featuring Yuki Yamauchi and Martin Pahinui, Kubota leaves his trademark sound and innovation as always.


Price:   £18.99

Hotel Waimea


Hotel RechamplooBLUE ASIA
Hotel Rechamploo


Price:   £17.99

(Reference #FSD1803)

Compilation of Blue Asia/Makoto Kubota's three superb 'Hotel' albums: Ibah (Bali) Istanbul (Turkey) and Waimea (Hawaii).


VARIOUS
Cafe Siam

(Reference #FSD2724)

Compiled by Makoto Kubota to go with the Blue Asia Hotel Bangkok CD. Eight tracks are taken from the excellent tradtional recordings of Thai music from various King Records series. These include phin (guitar) solo, traditional morlam singing with khaen accompaniment, jahke (zither) pong laang (xylophone) and pee (reed oboe). The other five tracks are superb new recordings by Makoto Kubota in Thailand of a small combo playing some sublime traditional tunes. Wonderful.


Price:   £17.99

Cafe Siam


Cafe MekongVARIOUS
Cafe Mekong


Price:   £17.99

(Reference #FSD2174)

An album of Vietnamese and 'Indo-Chinese' music from the King catalogue compiled by Makoto Kubota, who recorded his 'Hotel Vietnam' for the same label. An excellent selection that takes you on a discovery of local traditions.


VARIOUS
Makoto Kubota Presents Alchemist's Diary - Asia

(Reference #FSD2988)

CD to accompany book release from Asian music pioneer Makoto Kubota. Blue Asia tracks from Hotel Vietnam and Bangkok. His Blue Asia partner Jenny Chin from Malaysia contributes three tunes used for the Nike 2005 Asia campaign, plus a Kubota track (Chill Out) and contributions from Chinese artists Wu Fang and Weiwei.


Price:   £16.99

Makoto Kubota Presents Alchemist's Diary - Asia


Aloha Therapy - Ambient HawaiiMAKOTO KUBOTA
Aloha Therapy - Ambient Hawaii


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD1100)

Makoto Kubota has arranged the takes from Sandii's album into a relaxing, ambient sound.


108 GONGS
108 Gongs

(Reference #FSD1642)

The sound of crickets, a pounding bass gong, the occasional bird call, the sound of thunder. You can't tap your foot to it, or sing along to it, just wonder how it is that 40 minutes of this makes not just pretty good background noise, but an inspiring listen.


Price:   £18.99

108 Gongs


KizunaZAN
Kizuna


Price:   £12.99

(Reference #FSD3343)

Young guys playing shakuhachi and koto (including the 17 string bass one). The music is a sort of watered down Japanese 'traditional' easy listening with drum machines and electric bass on some tracks. Mini CD of 7 tracks, plus DVD with 2 video clips.


VARIOUS
Yawaragi

(Reference #FSD3344)

Compilation of Japanese traditional 'healing' music played on koto, shakuhachi etc by young musicians. These include Kokohana (25 string koto unit) Hideaki Matsumoto (shakuhachi) Sakura Project (Japanese traditional and classical instruments). 8 tracks, mostly original tunes.


Price:   £13.99

Yawaragi


OmoideVARIOUS
Omoide


Price:   £13.99

(Reference #FSD3345)

Another compilation of Japanese traditional meets New Age, this one of lyrical songs and lullabies including from Okinawa and Amami. 8 tracks from Sakura Project, Kokohana, Akito Obama (shakuhachi) and T's Colour among others.


VARIOUS
Spirit of Healing - Okinawa

(Reference #FSD3096)

Words such as 'Spirit' and 'Healing' normally set off alarm bells here, as an excuse to add a few nature sounds or slushy keyboards over some decorative ethnic sounds to appeal to a new age market. Which makes this album's delights all the more welcome. While there are the expected ocean and forest sounds and the occasional lush keyboards, this is a beautifully crafted CD that showcases some of Okinawa's most well known traditions, instruments and songs, (mo-ashibi, sanshin, Tsuki nu Kaisha) as well as some lesser known traditions (prayers) instruments such as Ryukyu kokkyu (erhu), ryukin (zither) and some superb vocal performances from Sachiko Shima, Coi-na and Team Kukuru, with music played by Toru Yonaha and others.


Price:   £14.99

Spirit of Healing - Okinawa


Spirit of Healing - BaliMAKOTO KUBOTA
Spirit of Healing - Bali


Price:   £14.99

(Reference #FSD2792)

Makoto Kubota has created a superb album of Balinese (and Javanese) soundscapes, from gamelan jegog to suling overlaid with cool beats and some natural sounds of the forest. Quite similar to Blue Asia's first album Hotel Ibah, but more laid back. As ever with Makoto Kubota this is a high quality album, great to chill out to, but equally great as a pure listening experience.


MAKOTO KUBOTA
Spirit of Healing - India

(Reference #FSD3155)

Makoto Kubota's first Indian excursion features various musicians recorded in Chennai on bamboo flute, violin, sitar, veena, dilruba, steel guitar, mandolin, tabla, dholak, udu and some superb vocalists to which Kubota has addded his trademark programmed beats, keyboards plus guitar and bass. His Blue Asia pals, Jenny Chin, Mac Chew and Yoichi Ikeda all help out at various points too. All tunes are Kubota or Blue Asia originals except for a wonderful version of Ever So Lonely. Quality Indian chill out music but not quite like anything you've heard before.


Price:   £14.99

Spirit of Healing - India


Spirit of Healing - HawaiiSTEPHEN JONES, BRYAN KESSLER
Spirit of Healing - Hawaii


Price:   £14.99

(Reference #FSD3188)

From the excellent (surprisingly) Spirit of Healing Series, Hawaii combines natural sounds (sea, surf) with acoustic instrumentation including ukulele and slack key guitar, steel guitar, plus bass, various nose flutes, keyboards, all performed by artitsts based on Oahu, Hawaii.


KENJI YANO
Sanshin Plays Okinawan Songs

(Reference #FSD2644)

New album by the man behind Surf Champlers and Sarabandge and Okinawan Cafe Music. Solo sanshin playing of contemporary classics of Okinawan music, in fairly easy listening style. Songs includes Hana (Shokichi Kina), Nada Sousou (Rimi Natsukawa), Shimanchu nu Takara (Begin), Shimauta (The Boom), Warabigami (Misako Koja), and classics such as Asadoya Yunta, Tinsagu nu Hana and Akata Sun Dunchi. Great as background music and to hear some of Okinawa's best known melodies on it's most recognized instrument.


Price:   £16.99

Sanshin Plays Okinawan Songs


Okinawan Cafe Music - Old Okinawan Traditional SongsTHE SANSHIN CAFE ORCHESTRA
Okinawan Cafe Music - Old Okinawan Traditional Songs


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD1603)

Instrumental versions of Okinawan songs, played on sanshin and guitar with percussion, keyboards electronic sound effects and mouth organ, resulting in the first ever Okinawan meets country music on the song "Wild East".


VARIOUS
Okinawa Seaside Walking

(Reference #FSD2326)

Imagine yourself walking along a beautiful beach in Okinawa. Well, that's exactly what the compilers hope you can do as you listen to a selection of songs and instrumentals with a decidely laid back feel. Excellent selection that includes Donto, Yachimun, Roli, Parsha Club, Sarabandge, Yoshiyuki Chinen, Sanshin Cafe Orchestra, Ganeko Yoriko and Yoshikawa Chuei.


Price:   £18.99

Okinawa Seaside Walking


I Love ChinaVARIOUS
I Love China


Price:   £13.99

(Reference #FSD4042)

Compilation of Chinese artists playing traditional instruments, such as Cao Xue Jing (Erhu), Jiang Xiaoqing (Guzheng) Fei Jianrong (Pipa, Sanxien), Jia Peng Fang (Erhu), George Gao (Erhu) and singer Jenny Zhang mostly accompanied by western instrumentation in a kind of new age mix. Some pure traditional tracks and some tasteful productions and arrangements of Chinese traditional songs, Japanese popular songs and original tunes. 14 tracks. 1. Heri jun zailai -[Ye Lai Xiang] Jiang Xiaoqing & Fei Jianrong 2. Boy in the sunset -Jia Peng Fang 3. Shimauta- Cao Xuejing 4. Three Variations of the Plum Blossom -[Continental Melody] Fei Jianrong 5. Hua-Zi Hill -George Gao 6. Shyounen-Jidai - Jiang Xiaoqing & Fei Jianrong 7. Shanghai story - Cao Xuejing 8. Kougenfujo - Cao Xuejing 9. Big Waves Against the Sand - Fei Jianrong 10. Aisansan - Cao Xuejing 11. Nada-Sousou -Cao Xuejing 12. Tokino-Nagareni-Miwomakase - Jiang Xiaoqing & Fei Jianrong 13. Magnolia Park -George Gao & Jenny Zhang 14. Sarai - Cao Xue Jing


GEORGE GAO & JENNY ZHANG
Chinese Healing - Heaven on Earth

(Reference #FSD3189)

Collaboration between erhu (Chinese violin) player Geroge Gao and Chinese singer Jenny Zhang. Easy listening versions of classical (Ave Maria) jazz (My Favourite Things) pop and Chinese tunes. This album is a compilation from their past releases Heaven on Earth and The Villa which were hits in Canada. Appeals to the New Age market. 13 tracks.


Price:   £14.99

Chinese Healing - Heaven on Earth


Feel Your Heart EverytimeCHEN HAO
Feel Your Heart Everytime


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD3347)

Chinese actress Chen Hao became a superstar with Chinese communities across Asia when she starred in the TV drama Pink Ladies. Well now she's making records as well and making them in Japan. Bossa Nova, French Jazz, and New Age are combined into an album of Asian Healing. Apparently.


CAO XUE JING
Erhu

(Reference #FSD3190)

Cao Xue Jing is an erhu (2 stringed Chinese fiddle) player based in Japan. He is best known for providing the theme tune to Japan's long running News 23 programme. On this CD he plays that old favourite in Japan Amazing Grace, the theme to Hayao Miyazaki's anime classic Howl's Moving Castle, Chinese traditional, Japanese pop and classical tunes. His erhu is accompanied by piano, cello and saxophone. 12 tracks.


Price:   £14.99

Erhu


Asian DreamJIANG XIAOQING & FEI JIANRONG
Asian Dream


Price:   £13.99

(Reference #FSD4046)

Jiang Xiaoqing (guzheng), Fei Jianrong (pipa,sanxien) plus Daisaku Kume (piano, synth, pianica) and others perform a mixture of Asian and Japanese tunes, including the Peanuts 'Vacance de l'amour'. 1. Ye Lai Xiang 2. Shounenjidai 3. Miagetegoran Yorunohosiwo 4. Amairono Kamio Otome 5. Sakutazaka 6. The River of Rain (Fei Jianrong Original) 7. Last Emperor-Theme 8. Chijounohoshi 9. Ihoujin-Silk Road's Theme 10. Heri jun zailai 11. Tokinonagarenimiwomakase 12. Kokoro-no-tabi (Jiang Xiaoqing Original) 13. Asian Dream 14.Koino Vacance (Vacance de l'amour) (Vocal:Jiang Xiaoqing & Fei Jianrong)



CAO XUEJING
Best of Cao Xuejing

(Reference #FSD4045)

Chinese erhu renditions of mostly Japanese and Okinawan popular songs including Hana, Nada Sousou, Umukaji, and his tune 'Put Your Hands Up', the theme tune to the TV programme News 23.


Price:   £13.99

Best of Cao Xuejing


Memories - Jia Peng Fang BestJIA PENG FANG
Memories - Jia Peng Fang Best


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD3885)

Jia Peng Fang started playing the Chinese erhu ( 2 stringed bowed violin) from the age of 8. He studied at the Central Music Academy's Folk Music Department in Beijing before he moved to Japan in 1988. where he teaches and plays with musicians from the Japanese pop, jazz and classical music worlds, plays on TV commercials and film soundtracks. He has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York. His music is a blend of Chinese and Western music, backed by synthesizers into a kind of New Age style. 12 tracks including newly released versions. 1. Sirious (from Faraway) 2. Silent Moon (from River) 3. Sweet Dreams (from Rainbow) 4. A Water Lilly (from Faraway) 5. Rainbow (from Rainbow) 6. Pure (from Faraway) 7. Bokyo 8. Xinglin Hupan (from River) 9. Shichahai in the Morning (from River) 10. Mirage of the Fall (from River) 11. Memory of Childhood (from Rainbow) 12. Silent Moon (Studio Live Version).


JIA PENG FANG & HIROKO KUWAKINO
Shisui Suimei

(Reference #FSD4043)

Chinese two stringed violin, the erhu, played by Jia Peng Fang and Hiroko Kuwakino, accompanied by synthesizer, acoustic guitars and percussion into a mostly new age style of music. Music composed & arranged by Yoshihiko Sano 1. Foreigner in Shanghai 2. Boy in the sunset 3. Ocean harmony 4. Rainy day on the beach 5. Under the blue sky 6. Maryvonne's cherrytree 7. Farewell in the hill 8. Kinmokusei 9. From savanna to the hill 10. Misty dawn


Price:   £13.99

Shisui Suimei


Shimauta - ErhuCAO XUE JING
Shimauta - Erhu


Price:   £14.99

(Reference #FSD3191)

Cao Xue Jing plays some of the most popular Okinawan songs on erhu, the Chinese two stringed bowed fiddle. He is accompanied by piano, sanshin, guitar, bass and percussion.1.Shimauta 2.Tinsagu nu Hana 3.Hana 4.Juku no Haru 5.Asadoya Yunta 6.Haisai Ojisan 7.Koishikute 8.Warabigami 9.Nada Sousou 10.Wadatsumi no Ki 11.Umukaji 12.Satoukibi-batake 13.Bashofu 14.Tsuki nu Kaisha


OKI
Tonkori

(Reference #FSD2722)

Tonkori is the long skinny Ainu stringed instrument. Oki, after listening to old reel to reel recordings of Ainu elders playing solo tonkori decided to 'transcend time and star in his very own period piece'. The repetitive phrases of these old traditional tunes transport the listener into a tonkori trance, exactly as Oki himself would imagine would happen if he could play along with those elder Ainu whose recordings he stumbled upon. 15 tracks with English liner notes. Fantastic.




Price:   £18.99

Tonkori


ObokuriIKUE ASAZAKI
Obokuri


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD2653)

Ikue Asazaki is an elderly lady from Amami island whose voice is full of character, slightly hoarse and sometimes with falsetto. On this album she sings Okinawan and Amami traditional minyo, plus old Japanese songs and lullabies. Excellent.


IKUE ASAZAKI
Uta Ashiibi

(Reference #FSD2242)

Veteran female singer from Amami island, who in her twilight years got signed by a major. Her music sometimes borders on the new age / healing, and here collaborations with pianists and guitar players such as Chichi Matsumura from Gontiti continue this theme.


Price:   £18.99

Uta Ashiibi


Utaba UtayunIKUE ASAZAKI
Utaba Utayun


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD1723)

The three songs on Asazaki's mini-album get re-released onto a full album with six new recordings, and two interludes of voice and soundscape. Asazaki's vocals are accompanied by Akira Takahashi's piano on a kind of Okinawa meets new age piano CD. But don't let that put you off too much. It's actually a pleasant enough listen, designed to soothe the senses rather than stir them. Wonderful Japanese vocalist UA guests on one track adding street cred.


MIEKO MIYAZAKI
Koto Sebastian Bach 2000

(Reference #FSD1557)

New Age waffle? sort of. Bach pieces played on Japanese koto (harp) with dreamy synthesizers in the background.


Price:   £18.99

Koto Sebastian Bach 2000


Koto Ambient ChopinMIEKO MIYAZAKI
Koto Ambient Chopin


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD1814)

Chopin nocturnes, preludes, waltzes, etudes, played on the koto (harp) with synthesizers in the background. Pleasant if you are in an elevator; as long as it doesn't get stuck.


AKIHITO OBAMA
The Seawave and Camellia

(Reference #FSD2812)

Akihito Obama is one of the best young shakuhachi players in Japan. He has played with the excellent Takio Band and performed in many countries around the world. On this album he plays duets with six other top musicians on a variety of instruments. Akira Horikoshi (percussion), Yukihiro Goto (Satsuma biwa), Hiroshi Yoshino (wood bass), Taro Matsumoto (shakuhachi), Yuriko Mukoujima (viola) and Etsuko Takezawa (17 stringed koto). It all hangs together well, with a lot of variety and some great musicianship.


Price:   £17.99

The Seawave and Camellia


East CurrentDOZAN FUJIWARA & EMIKO MIYAZAKI
East Current


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD2643)

Dozan Fujiwara is a young shakuhachi player who studied under the great Hozan Yamamoto. Emiko Miyazaki is a female koto player, known for her contemporary performance and compositions. This CD contains some of Miyazaki's original tunes, Japanese folk tunes, tango and others styles on a varied CD.


KINOHACHI
Sora

(Reference #FSD2539)

Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player Kinohachi is a student of the pioneering Kifu Mitsuhashi, active back in the 60s. Kinohachi is attempting to do roughly the same as his master on his first album, that is bring something new and fresh to the instrument. His imagination however doesn't stretch much beyond adding synthesizers, programmed beats and attempting to look cool on the cover. Music seemingly made to have on in the background, which is fine if that's what you want.




Price:   £18.99

Sora


IkiKINOHACHI
Iki


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD2538)

Kinohachi's second album is an improvement on his debut. The backing has a slightly harder, more interesting edge to it, and his playing has more expression.


SAKURA PROJECT
Sakura Project

(Reference #FSD2642)

12 Girls Band from China become popular in Japan (and in the USA) for being rather attractive girls playing Chinese music on traditional instruments. Groups who sound and look a bit like 12 Girls Band have now emerged. Enter Sakura Project, 6 girls playing Japanese traditional instruments, biwa, koto, sho, plus wood bass, flute and vibraphone. They play a mixture of Oriental and Western tunes. It all sounds very nice on this mini CD. Unfortunately the final outcome is likely they will disappear as fast as they emerged.


Price:   £16.99

Sakura Project


Chouchou MusubiKOKOHANA
Chouchou Musubi


Price:   £17.99

(Reference #FSD2993)

Two young female koto players perform various tunes under the guise of healing music. They play 25 stringed koto on nine tracks, mostly original tunes with titles such as 'gentle rain'.


ZAN
Furai

(Reference #FSD2398)

Zan are three young cool image conscious musicians who've learned to play Japanese traditional instruments such as shakuhachi, fue, koto and junana-gen (seventeen stringed koto). On this mini-album with 6 tracks they play East Asian contemporary tunes on those instruments. Melodic and easy on the ear.




Price:   £14.99

Furai


Shunshoku SaikaTOGI+BAO
Shunshoku Saika


Price:   £18.99

(Reference #FSD2537)

Hideki Togi has Japanese court music, gagaku, running through his veins.His family have been engaged with preserving and developing this ancient musical style for over 1300 years. Some might say, for the last few years Togi has been engaged in watering down the tradition, by turning gagaku into a so-called 'healing' pap. Togi has combined his hichiriki (a gagaku wind instrument) with synthesizers and western instruments in an attempt to bridge the gap between east and west, take an ancient sound into the modern world....you get the picture. On this latest album, Togi teams up with a 6 piece Chinese group called Bao from Shanghai who are playing a variety of Chinese traditional instruments. This makes perfect sense as the roots of gagaku lie in China. Nevertheless, it's still heavily marketed as healing / new age. CD extra comes with live footage of Togi and Bao playing together.


SACHIHO KOJIMA
Kannonraku

(Reference #FSD2475)

Solo album from Sachiko Kojima, the ex-Zelda and current Amana member. Kojima sings, plays various zithers and is accompanied by Indian and African instruments in a kind of swirling blanket of traditional sounds. All very hypnotic. Includes the song Nami, written by Donto.


Price:   £18.99

Kannonraku


Hoa Tau - Tranh Sao Bao Vol.2VARIOUS
Hoa Tau - Tranh Sao Bao Vol.2


Price:   £12.99

(Reference #FSD2914)

Easy listening Vietnamese instrumental music played on three traditional instruments with keyboards and drum machines.


VARIOUS
Dem Tan Ben Ngu

(Reference #FSD2916)

Dem Tan Ben Ngu (Night's End at the Royal Docks) is a tune based on Hue traditional music, as are the other nine songs on this CD. Modern instrumental versions of those tunes played on dan bau, dan tranh, with keyboard backing. Vietnamese easy listening.


Price:   £12.99

Dem Tan Ben Ngu


Arabic CafeVARIOUS
Arabic Cafe


Price:   £16.99

(Reference #FSD3092)

Accompanying CD to Blue Asia's Hotel Morocco. Compiled by Makoto Kubota, includes new recordings of some of featured artists on Hotel Morocco, such as Youssef Gnawa, other new recordings of some deeply rootsy, hypnotic gnawa and other Moroccan music many performed live and solo. 13 fantastic tracks.


VARIOUS
World Cafe

(Reference #FSD1703)

Tracks from the King World Music library, compiled and mastered by Makoto Kubota. Not much more than old tracks reissued into a hip package, but Kubota has chosen well with music from Burma, Timor, Madagascar, Mongolia, Greece, Nepal, Vietnam and elsewhere. Hugely enjoyable CD that is full of discoveries.


Price:   £16.99

World Cafe


Kaffe DunyaVARIOUS
Kaffe Dunya


Price:   £16.99

(Reference #FSD2264)

Compiled by Makoto Kubota from the King World Music catalogue of various world music. Part 2 of the equally excellent World Cafe.

Far Side Music > ASIAN new age / healing