Meditation Music - CDs

Music for meditation & relaxation
These collections of improvisations are linked by the underlying drone present in each one. The drone is treated in various ways, from the use of a deep inner sonority and the use of temple bell, high cymbal and gong. Each improvisation features different melodic treatment. The modern flute is most frequently used. The Chinese flute, sitar, and synthesised melody are further variations.

Derek Jones is currently Head of Woodwind at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

He has performed extensively throughout Australia, Asia and the USA, both as a soloist and orchestral flutist, including a solo appearance at Carnegie Hall, New York. Derek has made several solo recordings with the ABC, and has played with orchestras, such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra.

He has also performed extensively with Opera Australia, and the Australian Ballet with Orchestra Victoria.

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1. IMAYO (14:36) This origins of this music are rooted in the ancient traditions of Japan and it is today still used in a religious context. This melody is also reminiscent of the Japanese folk song Kuroda Bushi.

2. GRATITUDE (11:09) The arrangement of the Zen shakuhachi piece expressing gratitude, is combined with the sustained sounds of didgeridoo, harmonic singing.

3. BEGINNING (20:29 Two versions of the Zen piece "Shirabe", "Beginning", are combined with a lullaby from Shimabara and cello improvisations to create a scene of deep meditation.

4. MOUNTAIN PASS (18:11) Travellers crossing the mountain pass offered a prayer to the god of the pass for their safe journey. The rich sounds of the clarinet, the earth-rhythms of the clapping stones, and the Japanese lullaby (Itsuki no komoriuta) provide a hypnotic backing to this shakuhachi ceremonial music.

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The first in a six-CD set containing all the music in the medieval lineage of shakuhachi meditational melody known as 'honkyoku'. This is the first time that such a complete set of this music has ever been recorded. Riley's playing is exceptional.

Volume 1 of the "Yearning for the Bell" series. 7 volumes of traditional Zen pieces on the Tall.

This monumental 6-CD set is now half way! Riley Lee was the first non-Japanese musician to become a grand master in shakuhachi. In this series of CDs he presents the complete lineage of the orally-transmitted 12th century Japanese meditation melodies known as 'honkyoku'. This is, quite simply, music for the soul.

Volume 3 of the "Yearning for the Bell" series. 7 volumes of traditional Zen pieces on the Tall

Riley Lee continues his survey of the Japanese meditation melodies, or honkyoku, for shakuhachi. These were recorded in the sumptuous acoustic of the Australian National Acoustics Laboratory reverberation room. Riley sounds like he's floating! This CD includes Riley Lee playing both parts of the famous duet "Nesting of the Cranes".

Volume 6 of the 7 volume "Yearning for the Bell" series

The fifth in the series of seven CDs containing the complete lineage of 13th century Japanese 'honkyoku', or meditation pieces, played by Riley Lee, who was the first non-Japanese to attain grand mastery of the instrument. Sumptuosly recorded in the Australian National Acoustics Laboratory, this is the first time anyone has recorded such a complete overview of this music, and it is quite beautiful and calming.

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Riley Lee completes his survey of the Japanese meditation melodies, or honkyoku, for shakuhachi. These were recorded in the sumptuous acoustic of the Australian National Acoustics Laboratory reverberation room. Riley sounds like he's floating!

Volume 7 of the 7 volume "Yearning for the Bell" series.

The fourth in the series of six CDs containing the complete lineage of 13th century Japanese 'honkyoku', or meditation pieces, played by Riley Lee, who was the first non-Japanese to attain grand mastery of the instrument.

Sumptuosly recorded in the National Acoustics Laboratory, this is the first time anyone has recorded such a complete overview of this music, and it is quite beautiful and relaxing.

Volume 2 of a six CD set of the complete lineage of the medieval Japanese meditational music known as 'honkyoku'. Played on the traditional Shakuhachi flute.

This CD was recorded in the reverberation room of the National Acoustics Laboratory.

Listen to sample MP3 - 1MB