Stanley Jordan - State of Nature - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Wang Weiping belongs to the generation of pipa lute performers that has taken over brilliantly from the historical masters, and is by no means inferior to them, as far as both virtuosity and musicality are concerned traditional pieces and compositions under the emblematic patronage of the princess Wang Zhaojun. The pipa, an instrument with a rich repertoire and advanced playing technique, has long been in the hands of the professionals, and occupies an important place at the Conservatory as well as concerts. The generation born after the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) has taken over brilliantly from it's historical masters, LI Tingsong (Suzhou 1906-1976), Lin Shicheng (born in 1922 in Shanghai), and even Liu Dehai (born in 1937 in the Hebei), and is by no means inferior to them, as far as both virtuosity and musicality are concerned. Wang Weiping is one of the most remarkable representative of this new generation. Incidentally, it should be noted that Chinese culture is one of the few cultures in the world to grant women the rank they deserve as instrumentalists. She is a specialist in the thousand year old repertoire of Dunhuang scores transcribed by Ye Dong, which she has played in Hong Kong, Macao and Japan. She is pursuing her international career as a soloist and within the ensemble InchFleur de PrunusInch, and is working with modern Chinese contemporary composers.

A that it's creator Stanley Jordan cites as his most realized project to date finds him in challenging company fellow strummers Charlie Hunter, Russell Malone, Bucky Pizzarelli and Mike Stern, saxmen Kenny Garrett and Ronnie Laws, Nawlins trumpeter Nicholas Payton and the renown violinist Regina Carter. Truly, a collection of FRIENDS whose benefits push Stanley into a heightened musical reality.

45 years after his album debut, four-time Grammy® Award-winning bassist Stanley Clarke shows he is still unapproachable on both the electric and acoustic, wielding a vision of fusion and funk, breakbeats and bass-interpreted cello suites with a little help from friends like rapper/beatboxer Doug E. Fresh and trumpeter Mark Isham. Backed by a young versatile band and a collection of tunes written in the midst of a tumultuous tour of Europe, The Message (available June 29 via Mack Avenue Records) swells with an abundance of strength, soul and astounding musicianship.