Search - Riley Lee :: Yoga Tranquility

Stillness interpreted. It's more or less the intent that underpins every recording released by this non-Japanese grand master of the shakuhachi flute. Yet even in that narrow context, Yoga/Tranquility may stand as Lee's most hushed recording to date and thus is aptly named. Of the 11 pieces offered here (60 minutes total), silence represents the foundational element of each composition, with Lee providing only subtle shading or faint outlines to each barely distinguishable cloud of sound. No trills, no accompaniment, only a minimalist chromatic range. Outside of a few plaintive passages, particularly noticeable on the opening track, most earnest and advanced yoga practitioners should find that the disc provides worthwhile listening. --Terry Wood