David Dalle
Thursday August 31st, 2017 with David Dalle
Two fascinating Chinese influenced experimental albums. One with electronics composer David Shea, the other with jazz pianist Randy Weston.

Today we look at two fascinating experimental albums influenced by Chinese culture and music. American jazz pianist Randy Weston makes a musical argument for African influence on ancient China with his album "Khepera" featuring several jazz colleagues of his including Pharoah Sanders, African guests Chief Bey on drums and Chinese guest Min Xiao Fen on pipa. Electronic composer and artist David Shea's album "Hsi-Yu Chi" is a musical soundscape inspired by the classic 16th century Chinese novel of the same name recounting the journey of an 8th century monk from the Tang dynasty to India to retrieve Buddhist sutras. David Shea tries to portray the mythological journey with electronics, samples, live musicians and improvisations. He is joined by several guests including Wu Man and John Zorn.