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MEI-JYU is an ethereal-ritual-ambient collaboration between Italian sound manipulator Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) and the Japanese duo Chako and Makoto Hattori (Jack or Jive). On MEI-JYU, introspective ambient music by Musso joins with Chako's ethereal-otherwordly vocals. Opening parallel dimensions and suppoting the dreamy quality of Chako's voice, the music is derived from acoustic zither sounds, improvisations done on the waters of a brook, and environmental sounds of bells or radio. The atmospheres of the tracks vary, but the glowing quality between sounds and voice is decidedly original here. Growing up from the dark ambient sounds and loops, the music flows harmoniously. The word "Meijyu" derives from the Zen practice. Meijyu resides in one's palm and it is like a jewel, a precious stone, a clear crystal. Everyone has Meijyu inside. People look for shining objects in the outside world. If we focus on Meijyu with all our might, it will shine through us; Meijyu then teaches us that man can shine from the inside. After nearly 15 solo albums a piece, an appreciation for each other's music formed a natural bond between these artists. On MEI-JYU, songs can be relaxing and melancholy, dark ambient, multi-dimensional, bucolic, ritual, minimalistic. The voice is always inspired and spontaneous; the quality of a sincere prayer opens to different rooms full of emotions. A child-like pure quality sometimes creates a sweet tension, but the unique voice can also be quite strong and lightly dramatic. The ritual approach to music by these artists creates something beautiful here, delicate and deep, magic landscapes for the soul. A review from Heathen Harvest The yosei, or Japanese elementals, are a crafty crowd. They live in disguise, as herons or cranes. They hide, in ponds, or trees, or dreams. They bewitch and beguile with their beauty. But ultimately, they are not of this world. I have my suspicions that Chako, the singer-songwriter of the Japanese duo, may partly trace her lineage to that elusive tribe. She has a siren's voice that soars and occasionally shrieks. She can be as delicate as brushstroke on rice paper, or fierce as a tsunami. She is both Yoko Ono and Faye Wong. Chako sings in her own language; the effect is like vocal calligraphy. She's Liz Fraser in a geisha's clothes. The Italian sound-sculptor Alio Die (Stephano Musso) has created an aural garden for the Japanese duo. It's full of drones, birds, water and synthesizers and zithers imitating birds, water, and drones. It's music at its most amorphous. Chako responds to this floating ambience by layering her witch and angel voices. The result soothes, and sometimes disturbs. Listen to this trance music in the dark. It will lead you to a tranquil garden. Like the best koans, it will never reveal its secret. Check out the artist's website: http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=PRO00167 Track List: 1. Meijyu 2. Fluff of a Dandelion 3. Make an Arc through the Air 4. Flowing Up from the Core of the Mountains 5. Slow Motion 6. The Place of Reunion 7. Village Enveloped in the Mist 8. The Space Between 9. Meijyu (Reprise) Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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