Mei jyu (2005)
The
word "Mei jyu"derives from the Zen* practice.
"Mei jyu"resides in the one's palm and it is like a jewel, a preciuos stone which has
powers to clear crystals.
Everyone has "Mei jyu" inside. People are looking for shining objects in the outside world. If we focus on "Mei
jyu" with our all might it will shine trough us.
"Mei jyu" then teaches us that men can shine form the inside.
* Zen - The way of liberation trough direct experience of here and now
The
music of "Mei jyu" started from the meeting at Temple
Studio in 2003, by the way both artists had out their first cd almost ten years
before, and from that time, they were in contact through their music, following
each other reciprocally, although without knowing directly.
The encounter between
two so far cultures, diametrically becomes very close here, in the sensibility
and in the spirit by the introspective inspiration to the sound.
...it's
behind our breath that little things are changing,
it's like the fire of a
candle burning and growing
from the inside of the body, to irradiate...
like the
embers of a new initiation...
The voice of Chako is dreamy and otherwordly, and appears at her best
inspiration (both when it is dressed by dark or by light), with the sounds that
flow enchanted.
It's still glowing..
Alio
Die's ambient soundscapes with Chako's seductively layered ethereal vocals
MEI-JYU
is an ethereal-ritual-ambient collaboration project between the Italian sound
manipulator Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) and the Japanese duo Jack or Jive (Chako
and Makoto Hattori). On MEI-JYU, introspective ambient music by Alio Die joins
Chako's ethereal-otherwordly vocals on many tracks. The music opens parallel
dimensions and gives support to the dreamy quality of Chako's voice in some
original ways through acoustic zither sounds, improvisations done on the waters
of a brook, or with environmental sounds of bells or radio. Atmospheres of the
tracks vary, but a glowing quality between sounds and voice appears to be
something very original here. Growing up from the dark ambient sounds (by
selected natural field recordings) and loops, the music flows harmoniously.
The word Mei jyu derives from the Zen practice. Mei jyu resides in one s palm
and it is like a jewel, a precious stone, a clear crystal. Everyone has Meijyu
inside. People look for shining objects in the outside world. If we focus on Mei
jyu with all our might, it will shine through us; Mei jyu then teaches us that
man can shine from the inside.
After
nearly 15 solo albums a piece, an appreciation for each other's music formed a
natural bond between these artists. On MEI-JYU, songs can be relaxing and
melancholy, dark ambient, multi-dimensional, bucolic, ritual, minimalistic. The voice is always inspired and spontaneous; the quality of
a sincere prayer opens to different rooms full of emotions.
A child-like pure quality sometimes creates a sweet tension, but the
unique voice can also be quite strong and lightly dramatic. The ritual approach
to music by these artists creates something beautiful here, delicate and deep,
magic landscapes for the soul.
Projekt
A very powerful release. But trying to describe this incredible CD is not easy. I have heard nothing like it. To call it “atmospheric” would be an understatement. It really is a soundtrack belonging to an enchanted other realm of existence, where everything finally distorts into an essential serenity. "MEI-JYU is an ethereal-ritual-ambient collaboration between Italian sound manipulator Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) and the Japanese duo Chako and Makoto Hattori (Jack Or Jive). On Mai-Jyu, introspective ambient music by Musso joins with Chako's ethereal -otherworldly vocals. Opening parallel dimensions and supporting the dreamy quality of Chacko's voice, the music derived for acoustic zither sounds, improvisations done on the waters of a brook, and environmental sounds of bells or radio..." runs the introduction on the 'projeckt.com' website. I can¹t really add to that.
Michael
Shankland "Cursor Mundi"
http://www.zyworld.com/Oriflammejournal
The yosei, or Japanese elementals, are a crafty crowd. They live in disguise, as
herons or cranes. They hide, in ponds, or trees, or dreams. They bewitch and
beguile with their beauty. But ultimately, they are not of this world. I have my
suspicions that Chako, the singer-songwriter of the Japanese duo, may partly
trace her lineage to that elusive tribe. She has a siren's voice that soars and
occasionally shrieks. She can be as delicate as brushstroke on rice paper, or
fierce as a tsunami. She is both Yoko Ono and Faye Wong. Chako sings in her own
language; the effect is like vocal calligraphy. She's Liz Fraser in a geisha's
clothes.
Listen to this trance music in the dark. It will lead you to a tranquil garden.
Like the best koans, it will never reveal its secret.
A review from Heathen Harves
Alio
Die and Jack or Jive's first ambient pairing is a work designed to complement a
form of Zen practice, one that teaches that man can shine from the inside
outward. The album is named after Mei-Jyu, an assumed Zen solidity like
that of a jewel that sits in one's palm. The concept is that everyone has Mei-Jyu
inside and if we focus hard enough, the light and form of it becomes visible
from within. Ambience is a strong part of the flow and concentration and so it
is no surprise that Alio Die and Jack or Jive, a Japanese duo, has mixed their
talents to produce 70+ minutes of serenity via shaded paths while using a
variety of techniques and instruments including environmental sounds.
This 9-track album is
dark in a calming way but it must be realized that some people find their
tranquility in shadows while others find their peace in complete light. Projekt's
ambient servings are often dark in nature, meant to disturb and to challenge.
However, without stepping far from the centrality, Projekt's embrace of this
work shows yet another facet of dark ambience that is meant for soul-healthy
ventures.
All of the 9 tracks are soft, inquisitive, and encapsulating like wind chime notes
that float in the air and through our beings. Jack or Jive's vocals, as sung by
Chako, act as directional beacons, providing a focal point for the listener/meditator
while Alio Die's sounds are the atmosphere and landscape; the being of the
world. Every tune is blended with each other to avoid a sudden shock and to
maintain flow and absorption. Some of the music is evenly repetitious to blend
with your natural rhythm. Drones appear quite often to provide the shadowing of
the tune.
Overall, Mei-Jyu is effective in providing a sheltered soundscape where people
might "lose" themselves in a meditative state. And while much of dark ambient
textures are designed to be meditative in nature regardless of how unsettling a
piece may be, Mei-Jyu is gentle approach supports a more rhythmic and
immersive experience without the need to craft antagonism.
A
review from MusicTap.net:
Rating
- Matt Rowe / www.musictap.net
This
album shouldn't really be a surprise to avid ambient and ethereal fans. Those
that follow either the Projekt releases or Prikosnovenie will be very familiar
with both of these bands and their spectacular music. This album pulls the
talents from all artists together into a special treat of nine mesmerizing
tracks. The liner notes explain a little bit about Mei-jyu deriving from the Zen
practice (the way of liberation through direct experience of the here and now).
It is a thing of beauty and thus the music on this album shines through.
The nine-minute long title track stands as an introduction and mood setting
piece for the album. The various ambient sounds that both bands contribute
provide an otherworldly backdrop for Chako's dreamy vocals. As a fan of various
new age, ambient and ethereal music, this tapestry that is created for this and
other tracks is wonderful on its own. In fact there are two awesome instrumental
ambient pieces in the form of "Slow Motion" and "Meijyu
(Reprise)" that really bring out the strengths in the ambient and
environmental sounds. Much like the new age "sounds of nature" or
others that have become something of a fad, these artists have been providing
this stellar style for years and it comes out perfect on these tracks.
A
review from Gothic Paradise