Customer Reviews

River

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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!

River is a wonderful musical tone poem of the orient. Although purely instrumental, oriental instruments echo human voices and create a sense of traveling on the river through high, craggy mountains, villages, and tree lined banks. It is relaxing and energizing at the same time. A wonderful CD.

Jia Peng Fang's music takes the listener to a place deep inside themselves. The place where mind, will, and feelings intersect. This is a powerful, spiritual, musical experience.

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...

I accidentally came upon this cd in Singapore last year. I was looking for music for qi gong...flowing , soothing music. I heard the first 3 tracks and I said I'll take it. I was hooked by the erhu! It's so soulful and soothing and it pulls at my innermost being like no music does. It's really a great album!

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!

There are some albums out there that you must get if you wish to explore the best erhu music available. River is one of them. Jia Peng Fang is of the same caliber as Missa Johnouchi, Jie-Bing Chen, and Yu Hong-Mei, all fabulous artists. River consists mostly of tracks with a relaxed pace with one exception, a more lively track 6: Yueya Wugeng. Aside from this track, you get all smooth laid-back music that I don't find to ever be boring. Good erhu music when played a certain way, can tug at your heartstrings. It's just the nature of the instrument combined with the skill the artist has with it. If you are looking for the best erhu music, check out River in addition to Rainbow, both by Jia Peng Fang, Asian Blossoms and Road To Oasis, both by Missa Johnouchi, Spirit on Two Strings by Jie-Bing Chen, and String Glamour by Yu Hong-Mei. While some tracks on these albums are more of an acquired taste, most of Johnouchi's and Fang's work is accessible right from the start. I hope you find the sound you are looking for.