Customer Reviews

Zen Garden

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Delicate, complex (yet somehow simple) interweaving of piano, flute and strings. Every note and space feel perfectly balanced. This album is more than catchy tunes with filler instrumentation - It is ART.

This album of instrumental music, blending the East and the West, is an experience not to be missed. Haunting, centered, soaring are apt descriptions of the emotions elicited by the simple but effective melodies. Masterful arrangements, evocative instrumentation, wonderful background music. Listening to the album is a meditation in itself. Highly recommended. Can't wait for the next release.

Kokin Gumi CD, along with portions of music from The Last Samurai (Two-Disc Special Edition) movie score, provides a metronome to Tai Chi practice, slowing the heart, breathing, movements, bringing rhythm and poise to the day. Kokin Gumi is musical insulation from jumping "monkey mind" moving into a soothing more mindful repose. Restores body's natural balance in thoughts, decisions, actions.

Also view Departures Oscar Best Foreign Film Japanese with subtitles for compassionate look at healing ritual with music, Dhamma Brothers documentary of 10 day meditation training in maximum security prison with 10 year follow-up and Temple Grandin hopeful biography of change with calming.

If you can find the 1964 Japanese CD Kyotaku it has equally ethereal comforting single breath refrains.

Highly recommended.

This is one of my favorite CDs ever. I downloaded the songs to my computer and have them on my iPod. They're great and I listen to them all the time. They help me concentrate as I work and they also help me relax and wind down. The melodies are soothing and intoxicating, yet simple. Truely a MUST HAVE CD. You won't understand unless you experience it for yourself.

An astounding achievement. Listen especially to "Stone Garden" for the intricate interweaving of melodies, and the careful repetition of certain themes, blending so perfectly yet not at all artificially. This music is a real gem, a "handcrafted" item in a world of plastic new-age nonsense. Waiting to see what Kokin Gumi comes out with next!

This is an example of wonderful, calming music. Just hearing "Flower" instantly revives my senses. This CD is a must-have, for medation and relaxation alike.

These pieces of music are the best I`ve ever heard. They`re truly a work of art. I encourage everyone to buy it.

you won't regret buying this cd......it's a must have!

My Tai Chi instructor uses this CD and I liked it enough to buy it. It features the true Oriental instruments rather than the cheesy keyboard synthesizer that creeps into some of the meditation and new age music. A couple selections had a contemporary feel with use of piano; I'd rather stick to the Oriental instrumentation but all the music is interesting and very restful and serene. I am happy with my purchase.

I bought this CD long time ago before I got the chance to study shakuhachi with sensei Yoshizawa. I can listen to this music over and over and never get tired from listening. This is not just music, this is an experience! I highly recommend it!!