Search - Jade Bridge :: Ambush On All Sides

Beautiful in its simplicity

gaios33 | Berkeley, CA | 12/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a showcase for four brilliant musicians, each amazingly virtuosic on their respective instruments, who shine on a selection of Chinese folk and classical pieces. Tang Liangxing launches into the popular "Ambushed from Ten Sides" and you can almost hear the sparks fly as his pipa (lute) explodes in dramatic crescendos. Sisi Chen sparkles on the yangqin (hammered zither), weaving pure poetry in pieces such as "The Plow is Coming." Chen Tao flutters and trills on his dizi (flute) and is especially virtuosic in his opening solo, aptly named "A Bird in Flight," careening and soaring throughout. I'm particularly an avid fan of the er-hu (upright fiddle), and Zhang Bao-Li does not disappoint; he manages to coax such expressiveness and lyrical phrasing from the instrument, the notes strong and poignant. Bravo!The ensemble pieces are also rewarding--they blend masterfully, each musician commenting on and enhancing the others, soaring from playfulness to deep melancholy in the space of a single musical phrase. They are expertly adept at painting pictures in sound; in "Thunder Ends the Dry Season," you can hear the soft patter of rain (gradually becoming faster as the downpour begins) and feel the farmers' joy upon watching their parched fields saturate with the life-giving droplets. I played "Ambushed From Ten Sides" for my old roommate a few months ago. This was a fellow who was particularly fond of blasting "techno" music through his excellent speakers, and when I had him listen, he was so impressed that he copied the song onto his computer and spent the next week blasting THAT full volume! Let me tell you, get good speakers and try it out--the results are amazingly compelling, sending chills down your spine and shivers through your flesh...like listening to a story expertly told. Indeed--is Jade Bridge made up of musicians or singers or storytellers or master painters? Give a listen and rejoice at being astounded!"