Harmony

by Jonathan WidranKeeping things mysterious as all cool Eastern new age music-makers should be, Real Music doesn't offer a lot of background information in its promo materials on its spiritual artist Sayama. There's vague talk about a place where all energy gathers and from where all movement harmoniously expands -- a perfect visual for the sensual, bird chirping, Asian string instrument-driven tracks that comprise this full hour of spiritual awakening. The photo inside the Harmony package is not of the artist but of modern-day Shaolin master Shi Xinggui -- a monk who inspired Sayama's exquisite journey following his qi gong form. Providing a dreamy slate of optimism and relaxation perfect for a 60-minute massage, this tension-busting collection's beauty comes from the synthesis of many exotic Asian instruments from Japan (shakuhachi, dizi, xiao, and bawu bamboo flute) and China (gu-zheng, pipa, yueqin/ruan). This wonderful cultural exchange is enhanced by piano, harps, gongs, organic percussion, and cool samples of ethnic beats and bird and whale songs. The transporting ambient swirl here is an extension of the similarly lovely music Sayama created on two previous perfectly titled Real Music collections, Sacred Healing Waters and Sacred Healing Touch. Even more than in the '80s when the new age genre first became popular, the world in 2008 needed this spiritually uplifting touch.