Wu Man
's second solo album is a slightly more mature effort that places the pipa master in a more refined
chamber music
setting, accompanied by
Liu Qi-Chao
on flute,
Yang Yi
on plucked zither, and
Tien-Juo Wang
on bowed violin. The quartet works exceptionally well together on songs like
"Niao Tou Lin (Birds in the Forest)"
and "Xiyang Xiaogu (Flute & Drum at Sunset)," crafting lush, exotic melodies packed with vivid imagery evoking playful wildlife and gorgeous Far Eastern landscapes. Overall, a captivatingly accessible introduction to the mesmerizing music of China. ~ Bret Love