"NEW" MUSIC REVIEWS

Mai by Eri Sugai - The title, Mai, means "dance" in Japanese, and on this recording Eri's voice dances across the tracks like a whirling nymph one moment, an angelic choir the next and then a playful Tinkerbell. Her voice is purposely used as an instrument, and,* in most songs, as an ensemble of instruments. This style of singing has been popularized in recent years by Enya (singing in Gaelic), Sheila Chandra (English and wordless vocals influenced by her roots in Great Britain and India)

Orchid by Shao Rong - The shimmering sounds of the ancient pipa performing these haunting melodies, backed by a myriad of eastern and western instruments, creates a vibrant, dramatic and mesmerizing new musical sound appealing to audiences around the world.

. . .Sunday Brunch by Baatin - Few musicians have marched onto the smooth jazz music scene with as much assurance, authority and versatility as Baatin displays on his debut album, Sunday Brunch. Not only does he demonstrate his talent as a producer, arranger, songwriter and occasional singer, but also his depth as a musician on keyboards, saxophone, guitar, bass and flute, among other instruments