Mystic journey band offers quality world-fusion along with tranquility

Lillian

New member

MysticJourney has evolved into a top-notch world-fusion band. It started a decade or two ago with worldflutist Suzanne Teng making solo albums called Mystic Journey and Enchanted Wind with her touring bandtaking on the Mystic Journey moniker. By the time of her third album, MilesBeyond, they were billed on the album as Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey. And now the evolution is complete as theentity has simply become Mystic Journey. Their new album, Kingdom ofMountains, demonstrates their tight-knit cohesion and integrity, theirpoise and interaction, and their willingness to bring serenity, tranquility andmeditative relaxation into their musical sphere. It is a journey well worth taking.

Therecording begins with the very soft, slow and mellow “Subhadra” followed by thegently-flowing “Home” and then the title track with a deep Native Americanflute playing off the bass and Mid-Eastern stringed instruments. The music picks up the pace in the middle ofthe album with “Delicate Rainbow Flower” (active flute and electric guitarsoloing) and “Yunnan” (a high-register flute over a quiet synth with anothertasty guitar solo). “Viento” offerscomplex percussion and an echoey, but vibrant flute. “En Passant” sounds a bit like avant-garde-ambient with adidgeridoo drone on it. Theambient-spacey sounds continue on the last two pieces -- “I Dream of a Castle”with its ringing percussion, and the slow and mellow “Lebanese Girl” with itsshimmery stringed instrument and moody flute part.

This is anentrancing, soul-stirring album with fine performances. Recommended for flute or world-fusionlovers, or fans of relaxing, peaceful, healing new age music.
 
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