And finally time to write some words on Zhongyu. Okay, that was a play with words, as Zhongyu apparently means finally in Mandarin Chinese. The band is composer Jon Davis (chapman stick, guzheng, mellotron and arp 260), teaming up with 3 members of Moraine, and an experienced jazz drummer. The aim is to balance opposites: composition and improvisation, serenity and chaos, harmony and dissonance as well as simplicity and complexity.
Well, one thing is for sure, all those words pass by in your mind when you start listening. Some themes have a distinct Eastern flavour and sometimes you wonder what the heck is happening. So parts of this are easy and beautiful, and at times you are lost without a clue. As often is the case with Moonjune Records releases, this takes time and is not for those looking for an easy fix.
This will grow on you with every spin, but a Marco Polo attitude comes in handy…