I am doing my part to saving our planet and not over packaging my CDs. Instead I will provide all the CD info and track listings on here! Thank you for your support and understanding.
Total track time: Approx - 76:24
1- Overture (6:10)
Features Vi An on 21 stringed guzheng solo with accompaniments of gamelan bells and ambient sound-scapes programmed by Vi An on electronic synthesizers and various computer software.
2- Bodhisattva Kuan Shi Yin (6:22)
Duet for two 13 stringed kotos performed by Vi An on seperate tracks.
3- Lullaby'd (8:46)
Solo 21 stringed guzheng.
4- Winter (4:55)
Duet improvisation on the spot between 21 stringed guzheng and violin performed by Karen Letch.
5- Interlude 1 "In The Mood.." (6:46)
Features 21 stringed guzheng with accompaniments of Chinese bamboo fife and chamber orchestra programmed by Vi An on electronic synthesizers and various computer software.
6- Metalic Butterflies Midst Moonlight (16:35)
In two movements
Intro for guzheng performed by Vi An and koto performed by Mizue Kauffman
Finale for guzheng, koto and violin
7- Swirling Swan, Circling Crane (5:13)
Solo 13 stringed koto by Vi An.
8- Interlude 2 "Sojourn" (3:56)
On the spot improvisation on "LOVE AND PASSION" with Vi An on 21 stringed guzheng and (love) Bryan S. Whelan on folk guitar.
9- Three Variations Impromptu on Sentient Being (9:41)
Spontaneous improvisation on guzheng by Vi An and Karen on violin.
10- Quiet Delight (7:18)
Solo 21 stringed guzheng by Vi An.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE ARTIST, UNAURTHORIZED DUPLICATION & PERFORMANCE OF THIS CD IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED & SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAWS.
All original improvisations by Vi An. (p)&(c)2001, 2002 'Vi An is Vi An' PRODUCTIONS, infinite.
Independently produced, funded, released exclusively and sold exclusively by Vi An.
Special musical guests ~ Karen Sim on violin, Mizue Kauffman on koto and Bryan S. Whelan on guitar.
EXTRA NOTES:
Kuan Shi Yin or Kwan Yin; Guan Yin; Quan Um; Kannon. Is a Buddhist bodhisattva (or buddha to be) whose name means "one who hears all the cries in the universe". Kuan Yin is the embodiment of bountiful and unconditioned compassion. This bodhisattva is the leading figure in the Mahyana Buddhism sect.
The reason I have titled this CD in the bodhisattva's honor is because growing up, I have always been taught about Kuan Yin and have always seen the same qualities in my own Mother! This album is really a tribute to my Mother and to compassionate souls out there.. A lot of compassion has been poured into the creation process of this album and those involved are very compassionate individuals! In this CD I wanted deeply, to share all that is beautiful in my life and all that I see as pure good in life..
My next album will be a very exciting one for it will contain my latest inspirations and improvements since the release of Kuan Shi Yin nearly 3 years ago! Anticipated date of release for the latest album may be March 2006 or November 2006. So please keep visiting the news section of my site to learn more! The new album will contain 3 of my 26 stringed instruments, I would like to invite my friends Ross Lemon to join me on double bass and I will re-invite Mizue to perform on 17 stringed bass koto!!! This will surely be a most exciting and deeply passionate new offering. Thank you for everyone's support and encouragement, your inspirations are so welcomed. My best regards -- Vi An (Oct 17, 2005)
