Interesting fusion of music merging Eastern and Western styles and instruments.

10 MP3 Songs
NEW AGE: New Age, WORLD: Asian- Southeast

Show all album songs: Rise of a New Dragon Songs


Details:
ABOUT CHEE-WEI TAY

Some people say that Chee-Wei is a musician who started testing the limits of musical sanity at a young age â and never stopped! Some who have worked with this one-of-a-kind musical genius from Singapore say that he should come with a warning because some amazing music may just pop out when you least expect it.

In fact, for more than a decade Chee-Wei has steadfastly serenaded and shocked listeners into sublime and intimate or forceful and energetic worlds built of a rare blend of multicultural instrumentations and distinctive arrangements. The talent and creative force behind this accomplished musician, composer and producer has been noticed by directors, producers and film executives all around the world and his music has been the crowning touch not only to live performances, but also on NOVA, National Geographic and Discovery documentaries broadcast on every continent. So if you havenât heard Chee-Wei, go and retune your TV set ⦠or just listen to this CD!

Chee-Weiâs musical style encompasses both strength and energy, yet at the same time it can be subtle and intimate. Coming from the melting pot at the cross-roads of Asia, yet with influences from all around the world, Chee-Weiâs music has a unique quality not heard elsewhere.

ABOUT "RISE OF A NEW DRAGON"
âRise Of The A Dragonâ consists of 10 tracks, and behind each track is a story. These 10 stories are in both English and Chinese and the CD booklet is available in both languages.
Highlights of the CD include:
⢠Fusion of multiple cultures into single pieces of music.
⢠Rich and harmonious tunes incorporating a wide variety of instruments from around the world.
⢠The use of prose recitals to convey additional layers of meaning.

A key characteristic of this album is that the tune of the tracks is rich and in harmony, with the symphonies of instruments from around the world playing together with the Chinese ones . With musicians from England, Australia and Singapore participating and finally being mixed by prominent Australian Sound Engineer, Doug Brady, who has repeatedly won international awards, this album spans the work of over 5 years for one of Singaporeâs most prolific international composer.

The third characteristic of this album is the combination of music together with short recitals of prose. For example, in the first track âEvolutionâ the prose was recorded by Chee Wei and starts with â When Man firstâ¦â To Chee Wei, this is the origin of his thoughts, and also the end-product of universal and human emotions.
The first verse of the CDâs title track âRise Of The New Dragonâ contains a recitation of an ancient seven-syllable poem. This track was commissioned by the Singapore government as the theme song for the World Expo, Aiichi held in Japan in 2005. âRise Of The New Dragonâ has the sound of a large drum being beaten repeatedly, thus creating an energetic and anticipating vibe. The entire track uses Chinese instruments as a base sound, and at the end thereâs a resounding female voice, adding to the emotions of the listener.

Similarly the fifth track, âWorld Without Wallsâ, also composed for World Expo Aichii 2005, consists of a female voice with a similar effect on the listener.

The sounds of Chinese instruments stand out throughout the
CD, particularly in the sixth track, âSecret Heavenâ. Under Chee Weiâs piano accompaniment, together with Chin Yan Chongâs erhu , his music easily penetrates the soul and causes an indescribable change of emotions.