AR14 Music Reviews: SWING & SHUI By Robert Resetar

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	Reviews of Recordings by Robert Resetar
Index of Issue 14

The ancient Chinese art of feng shui (pronounced fung shway) has become quite popular these days. Feng shui is based on the principles of balance in one's living environment for the purpose of bringing about health, happiness, success, and well-being. Sounds like hocus-pocus? Try it. You may be surprised. On the surface you might conclude that much of its effectiveness is caused simply by knowing your goals and focusing your attention upon them. But it goes much deeper than that. The ancients taught that the principles of yin and yang and the five elements influence the very qi (chi) or life essence in all living things. At its most basic level, this is a commonsense approach to health and wholeness.

Harmony or discord, order or chaos, spaciousness or clutter, our living environment reflects our state of consciousness. If we want to change our consciousness we can begin by changing our environment. We all know how it feels to walk into a messy room as opposed to a clean, orderly one.

Applying these concepts to music, we can have harmony or discord, order or chaos, the yin and yang of major and minor intervals, fast and slow tempos, ascending and descending melodies. We have the five elements of the Chinese five-tone scale, etc., etc. Every aspect of music has its corresponding effect on our consciousness and being. Using these principles Wind Records has produced a set of five orchestral recordings aptly titled:

CHINESE FENG SHUI MUSIC Wind Records (5 CDs)

The Shanghai Chinese Traditional Orchestra performs the music of three prominent Chinese composers based on the principles of feng shui. Corresponding to the five elements, each recording represents one of the five related animals: Dragon, Phoenix, Serpent, Tiger, and Tortoise. Each composition is the musical essence of the animal and its qualities. They can be played separately for specific therapeutic use or played in sequential order for general balancing of energies. Overall I was fairly impressed with the recordings. The music is well orchestrated and is enjoyable throughout, except for an extended section of the Tiger which uses a nasal-sounding reed instrument that I found somewhat irritating. In compositions like these based on the 5-tone scale of Chinese music there tends to be a purity and simplicity that is refreshing to the mind and spirit. In addition, the arrangements are diverse and creative enough to keep the music interesting. We hear so much dissonance and syncopation in the music of the West that I think it is helpful to give our ears a break from time to time. Chinese Feng Shui Music has a nice balance to it and is definitely worth checking out.

To order, call the Sounds True Catalog toll-free at 1-800-333-9185.

FLAMENCO SOUTHWEST Ruben Romero (Iago)

I happened to be at a book show a few months ago and heard this spirited music coming from the next booth. It was like flamenco, but had a distinct personality and warmth that was unique and made me want to hear more. This magical recording by Santa Fe native Ruben Romero really captures the spirit and mystique of the American Southwest. Nothing trendy here, he simply plays his guitar with a delicate, fiery precision, and it sure feels like he enjoys what he's doing. With a recent recital at the White House and concert performances all over the country, Ruben still remains based in New Mexico where he continues to be one of Santa Fe's most popular performers. His original melodies have character and sensitivity that balance nicely with the passion of flamenco. So if you're feeling the urge to escape from the rat race for a while, pour yourself a cup of your favorite something and put on a copy of Flamenco Southwest by Ruben Romero. You'll be magically transported to a quiet cafe in Santa Fe.

To order, call your local music store, or call Silo Music toll-free at 1-800-342-0295.

VANITY OF VENUS Cheryl Gunn (Anagram Records)

Haunting melodies floating gently through the quiet waters of a misty night sea. An ode to love with a touch of melancholy, yet ever hopeful. Vanity of Venus was composed and arranged by Cheryl and Nicholas Gunn and features Cheryl on keyboards. This romantic instrumental recording has some beautiful acoustic guitar work by Zavier and lovely flute, bamboo flute, and recorder performances by Nicholas Gunn as well. The music is unobtrusive yet has substance and depth. Creative harmonies and arrangements with a sensual ambiance and an intimate, timeless feel make Vanity of Venus a great addition to your CD collection.

To order, call your local music store or you can call Backroads toll-free At 1-800-767-7478.

Robert Resetar composes for television and motion pictures. He is currently based in Minneapolis. If you would like your recording considered for review please send it to: Atlantis Rising P.O. Box 23528, Minneapolis, MN 55423.