Customer Reviews

Shining Energy

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's difficult doing an unbiased review of this work. The music is, at the least, interesting, and sometimes quite marvelous. The ladies are undeniably fetching, and the settings are entrancing. The general effect is wonderful. The ladies, all conservatory trained, play traditional Chinese instruments with some background dubbing. The selections are melodious, lilting, and sometimes very moving. Along with Chinese music, they do Paul Desmond's hit from the sixties, "Take Five"; it is not pure jazz, by any means, but it's interesting. They also do a Russian folk tune which was popular in this country as an expression of support for the Soviet people: "Meadowland." (This one has a Chinese title.)I got this as a gift from a friend in China; I am exorbitantly grateful. I'm looking for more titles.

I had seen a 12 Girl Band billboard in the United States and wondered what the fuss was all about. So the next time I went to Asia, I picked up a copy of their Shining Energy album (came with a DVD, not VCD) and was thrilled to hear their pieces. These girls play traditional Chinese instruments to various types of international music (including Irish, Russian, Japanese, and tradtional and modern Chinese). Their music ranges from soothing to almost techno.

The tunes are lively, catchy and watching the girls perform on their instruments was also a lot of fun. It's been several months since I bought the album and I still play it a few times a week.

In short, this is a wonderful introduction to Chinese instruments (not Chinese music) and a wonderful addition to music collections of those who like classical to modern rock.

*Now* I understand what all the fuss is about.

Great music, really like the traditional and other types they explore. Includes DVD and CD, neat. I really love their work just wish they had more out there to hear. Great stuff, must've taken a lot of work to do. Pensive too, nice.

Shining Energy CD plus live in Budokon DVD of 12 GB - this is just a beautiful combo! Beautiful music, high quality concert dvd, even wtih English translation of the booklet included for the western listeners. With all the girls beautiful smiling indiviual pictures in the Cd cover insert.
This is by far the most volurable procducts of the 12 GB.
This is a must have combo for people who love asian music, asian woman, chinese music, chinese instrument...

High lights of the CD:
Grand Canon, Kiko, Shining Energy, Jasmine, Rive Dance, Only Time, Butterfly....
Highlights of the DVD: Whole concert plus the Kiko music video which was shot in Okinawa, Japan...

I discovered 12 Girls Band just a few weeks ago after flipping through music recommendations by amazon.com. After sampling their "Shining Energy" album, as well as their promotional "Kiko" video on their website, I was sufficiently impressed to purchase their "Shining Energy" album.

However, after listening throught the album several times, I would say that while this album has a great concept, with several enjoyabe songs, its nothing specatular - after the initial sensation wears off, most of the songs are almost interchangeable. Also, several compositions are just bland. The DVD is a good addition to this CD but those live performances are somewhat weaker versions of the songs in the CD. In all, this album comes off more as an experiment in progress than a polished jewel I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, its nice to listen to, just not spectacular.

Nevertheless, I think this band does show promise. So, I sampled through "Romantic Energy" and based on what I hear, I think that may be a stronger album - I am intrigued enough by this album that I am willing to give that album a try. I certainly hope to see this band mature and produce the kind of world stage music its trying to achieve.

The CD itself is enough to captivate and easy lisenting fan, or fan of the Twelve Girls Band, but the two VCDs have amazing live concerts of the beautiful women doing what they do best: play the most beautiful music in the world. Truly an amazing CD.

My first impression of 12 Girls Band was that they were nothing more than a spin-off of Bond, the instrumental rock quartet from the United Kingdom. But it goes a little deeper than that. While Producer Mel Bush, who also gave the world the Spice Girls, focused as much on T & A with the sexy ladies of Bond (often spelled with a small 'b'), there seems to be a much more professional approach with 12 Girls Band. For starters, there's actually 13 ladies total. All of them play traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu, pipa (similar to a guitar) and guzheng, instruments which have been around for hundreds of years. Some of them can have very haunting sounds. But most of 12 Girls Band's numbers are set to a nice beat and accented with extra percussion and keyboards. While some of the tunes here can remind you of the music you hear in the background at your favorite Chinese restaurant, there are a few that would give any American rock song a run for its money.

An added bonus with this selection is the DVD, where you get to see this talented Chinese orchestra perform live in concert, to sold-out crowds in Japan.

This music really is in a class by itself. It's NOT for everyone, so listen to the samples available here at Amazon, and make your decision based on that. I've always liked Chinese music, but that's me. Your take on this unusual CD may be different.

I have the Hong Kong version of the Shining Energy CD, in addition to the Beautiful Energy and the most recent Romantic Energy CDs. I love every one of the songs. The music is beautiful and rich. Their music really open up a new experience to me. I hope they can continue to produce beautiful music for us.

What can I say anymore? Highly recommended.