Suzanne Teng - Mystic Journey (1999) CDRip

"Suzanne Teng is a student of the flute, playing variations on this instrument from around the world on her impressive solo debut. Sensual and serene, Teng orchestrates a global percussion landscape with Gilbert Levy, sending improvisations across a slow dance on "Topanga Dreams," creating a Middle Eastern tango on "Katyia's Dance," and bringing out a ritual dance on "China Lily." On "Aduman," Teng is joined by African kora player Prince Diabate in a vibrant narrative of cross-picked melodies. Because she is often inspired by dance, one can hear her rhythms and melodies flowing with the form of bodies in motion. And when exhaustion sets in, Teng envelopes the listener in a meditative space of "Clouds Across the Darkness," with a multi-tracked bass flute blowing across wind chimes and a Tibetan singing bowl. "Mystic Journey" is an impressive debut from a former member of the Angels of Venice."