WORLD UNITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE WITH PHIL MORRISON AND KEITH WILLIAMS: China Skies

World Unity Jazz Ensemble with Phil Morrison and Keith Williams

China Skies

© 2001 Dr. Mac Records

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You'll like this. Take the sounds of a jazz combo and smooth vocals, mix them with traditional music instruments of China and Japan and you have a fresh and unique blend of East meets West.

tracks

1 China Skies
2 The Earth is One Country
3 Kaela
4 Persian Prophet
5 The Martyr's Rose
6 The Valley of Search
7 The Guardian
8 Matsumoto No Yume
9 Pupil of the Eye

notes

The “China Skies” project is a musical undertaking which combines the elements of American Jazz with two traditional Chinese musical instruments, the erhu(a two-string instrument which is bowed and pronounced “arh-hoo”), and the dizi(a bamboo flute pronounced “dee-tsu”).

After performing in Shanghai, China for several months and interacting musically with the local Chinese musicians, American musicians Phil Morrison, bassist, and Keith Williams, pianist/vocalist, decided to record this unique blend from China and the U. S.

The erhu player, Zhen Wei and the dizi player, Shao Jun Yan(Benny Shao), were at first apprehensive about playing Jazz on these instruments because of the great respect they have for the music and their lack of experience but the intimidation factor was soon replaced by enthusiasm and, as you will hear, they “nailed it”!

Theoretically, Jazz is known for it's strong rhythmical feel(prominence of the drum)and has roots in the African-American community. But in this case, the drummer is Chinese….Chu Wei Min (Williams Chu). After hearing him you might think that he's from Detroit or Boston like one of his idols, Tony Williams.

All of the arrangements for the erhu and dizi were
written by pianist/vocalist/composer/arranger Keith Williams, who is a graduate of the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He also composed “The Valley Of Search” which is a Jazz waltz. Since recording “The Valley Of Search”, Phil Morrison has written lyrics for it. The other compositions were written by bassist/composer Phil Morrison, including “China Skies”, which was inspired by the greatness of China….it's people and culture.

Phil Morrison and Keith Williams are committed to the promotion of world unity and Peace and use their music to try to achieve that goal with peoples of different cultures. Please log on to their website for information concerning a similar project recorded in Japan.

reviews

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  • Suberb
    author: Alaeddin

    It was beautiful, vibrant, joyous, peaceful, technically suberb, haunting & wonderful.

  • author: Yin Hong Shuen

    I like some of the lyrics on world unity and the Baha'i Teachings that remind people of the imperative need for appreciating the oneness of our humanity!

  • just wonderful, fantastic!!
    author: Ellen

    The music is so beautiful, the fusion between american jazz and asian music is so perfect. Now I love to hear the music everyday!! Thank you so much, Phil and Keith!!!

  • A tapestry of musical delights
    author: Kevin Jeter

    An exquisitely provocative musical journey into the diverse yet unifying places of the global soul. A wonderful East meets West tapestry of melodic and rhythmic delights, driven by Jazz but evoking images and musical motifs that span both place and time-- Earth, truly one country. Kick back and savor it. It's a classic. Kevin Jeter.

  • Impressive music for dining in fine restaurants.
    author: Dorothy Bridges

    This would be delightful in any Asian and American restaurant. To be dined with an impressive and quality sounding background listen music such as this CD has.

  • A superb blend of Eastern and Western musics
    author: John Clark

    What a treat, to hear world-class jazz music integrated with exotic sounds from Asia! This CD is not only on the highest level technically, but also exudes a peaceful, positve vibe; something we can all learn from! Thanks, Phil & Keith!

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