Search - Jia Peng Fang :: River

Beautiful play matched with meticulous arrangements

W. Gunadi | Dallas, TX United States | 11/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard this sound since I was young. The distinct character of the sound evokes a certain emotion, it is not sad, nor it is melancholy, it simply tugs at your heart and then let go. I've always known it as the sound of a bowed string instrument called the "Er-Hu." I didn't know it is called "Niko" in Japanese. This album is a masterpiece not only in terms of the quality of play by Mr. Fang, but it also has the neat arrangement you expect from good Japanese musicians. My favorite is the song "Mirage of the Fall" in which the sound of the Er Hu starts with a basic pattern, then moves on into the second stanza, then when I thought that I know what's coming, it surprises me with its turn of direction, all of this before the song soars into the sky a high pitched crescendo which then intricately reconnected back to the basic pattern I heard in the beginning. Accompanied with the gothic-style guitar ballad, it creates a harmonious contrast that seems to depict the heavens and the earth. Simply Masterful!"

The Best

C. Wilson | USA | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy pure talent, serenely beautiful music, exceptional creativity and excellent productions- then look no further. I enjoy Rock, Country, Bluegrass, New Age, Classical, Jazz and Irish to name a few. I have enjoyed very few albums in my lifetime as much as this one. Just incredible..."

River

Steven P. Espinoza | Sonora, California United States | 08/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I listen to New Age music from my cable provider. Each time Jia Peng Fang would be played, I took notice. I enjoyed the sound of what I thought was a violin and the oriental melodies of his music.The sound that attracted me is produced from an instrument called an Erhu or Chinese violin. The tones captured by the Erhu and the accompanying instruments are gorgeous. The music is mostly played with 'traditional instruments';less synthesized work and is portrayed in a 'neo-traditional' Chinese style. When synthesized equipment is utilized, like at the beginning of Songhua Wanfeng, it is done tastefully and satisfies my yearn for that New Age sound I am more familiar with. Jia Peng Fang is incredulable with his playing of the Erhu and the music and arrangements mostly done by Seiichi Kyoda are beautiful.Enjoy!

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