Ron Korb - Japanese Mysteries

Recorded in Tokyo and Osaka Japan, this album is the excellent result of Ron's extensive studies of Japanese music in which he unveils the mysteries of this fascinating culture. Each track is about a unique aspect of Japanese history or folklore that is described in the CD liner notes. This CD features two tracks with traditional Japanese music - Etenraku and Winter Night (fuyu no yoru). The other songs are all originals by Ron Korb and Hiroki Sakaguchi. Traditional Japanese instruments like the koto, shakuhachi, shinobue, ryuteki, and shamisen are blended beautifully with western keyboards and acoustic instruments. Featured guest artists include Tani Senzan (shakuhachi), Tanaka Yoko (koto, shamisen), Ryuhei Kobayashi (classical guitar), Akira Mori (steel string guitar), Hiroshi Ogawa (bass) and Takeshi Ishikawa (taiko, hira daiko and percussion). This album was number 2 on HMV's Best Of New Age Chart. Reviews 'A Superb CD that not only highlights the sounds and textures of Japan's musical heritage but makes the music accessible to western audiences.' - Eye to Eye - London 'If you buy no other music for the next 12 months, buy this one now!' - Mind Body Soul - London, England 'Ron Korb is, without a doubt, a master flute player. His many CDs showcase playing styles from around the world. If you are unfamiliar with his work, it would be hard to recommend a single CD to start with. I doubt you could go wrong choosing any one of them. If you are partial to Japanese melodies, however, then I can highly recommend that you start out with Japanese Mysteries. I am fairly confident you will soon add the rest of Ron's recordings to your collection once you have experienced his talent on the flute.' - by Will Owen - Rambles.

1) The Great East Temple (Todaiji)
2) The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari)
3) Legend of the Heike (Heike Monogatari)
4) Eastern Sea Route (Tokaido)
5) Winter Night (Fuyu No Yoru)
6) The Floating Bridge of Heaven
7) River Child (Kappa)
8) Visiting Spirits (Obon)
9) Homecoming (Furusato)
10) Autumn Rain (Murashigure)
11) Festival Dream (Yume Matsuri)
12) The Zen Garden (Ryoanji)
13) Heavenly Music (Etenraku)