Search - Jade Warrior :: Breathing the Storm

Ambient Warrior

robfox | 10/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is easily the softest, most ambient of Jade Warrior's albums, but do not confuse it with anything New Age. It is fitting perhaps as a eulogy for the late Tony Duhig to whom the CD is beautifully dedicated. I anticipated a stormy CD full of the typical JW lightning changes and diversity, but this was not what I heard. Each piece blends together smoothly and gently. The music evokes the feeling of floating through the sky - but during a storm? It took me a few listens, but eventually this idea came forth: When one breaths the storm, one is united with the storm; more than that, one is creating the storm - it is the breath of one who has risen beyond the earthly confines of a physical body. Perhaps it is the spirit of Tony Duhig, now released, who is breathing the storm. Yeah, I found the music deep. Or maybe it is just a set of really good gentle music. I like to listen to it either first thing in the morning or the last thing at night. Either way, it primes me for the journey I am about to take, whatever, and whenever that might be. If you like the gentler side of JW, this one is a feast. If you like it fiery, you won't find much here. That is what makes it such an unusual piece of work. That is appropriate, for JW was always into approaching both sides of music, the soft and the energetic; but as the group had lost one of its primary members, it seems right that only one side would come through. This description may seem like a disappointment, but the CD is not: In all cases, it is excellent. I am glad to see JW has continued without Duhig, but the loss of his future contributions are sorely missed. But let us not end on a maudlin note. The CD is a triumph and highly recommended!"

Mind Candy

Jersey Jack | Toms River, NJ United States | 07/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jade Warrior is the perfect example of a wonderful group that was never promoted properly back in the day. The band's roots stem from the 60's with Jon Field & Tony Duhig as the nucleus.



Their first major work came in the form of 3 LPs on the Vertigo label back in '71 - '72 and basically escaped everyone's notice because they weren't played on pop radio. The reason? They were different. Neither did they tour a lot, which didn't help matters.



They weren't just Rock, or just Jazz or just instrumental. But they were an odd mixture of the three with a smattering of Asian influence thrown in for good measure.



By the time of this record, Breathing The Storm (1992,) founding member Tony Duhig had already passed away. As I understand it this record was a musical testimonial from Jon Field to his friend Tony.



I can't describe this music adequately . . . the album displays a dizzying array of instruments and effects. All I can say is if you listen to it, you'll understand. It's calm. It's deep. It's thoughtful. It's pleasing. It's exhilerating. It's Jade Warrior.



Leave you cares and your ego at the door and enter. Listen to the entire album start to finish in a place where you won't be disturbed. You won't be disappointed.



"