Alio Die & Jack or Jive: MEI-JYU (CD)

Product Description

Alio Die’s ambient soundscapes with Chako’s seductively layered ethereal vocals

MEI-JYU is an ethereal-ritual-ambient collaboration between Italian sound manipulator Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) and the Japanese duo Chako and Makoto Hattori (Jack or Jive). On MEI-JYU, introspective ambient music by Musso joins with Chako’s ethereal-otherwordly vocals. Opening parallel dimensions and suppoting the dreamy quality of Chako’s voice, the music is derived from acoustic zither sounds, improvisations done on the waters of a brook, and environmental sounds of bells or radio. The atmospheres of the tracks vary, but the glowing quality between sounds and voice is decidedly original here. Growing up from the dark ambient sounds and loops, the music flows harmoniously.

The word “Meijyu” derives from the Zen practice. Meijyu resides in one’s palm and it is like a jewel, a precious stone, a clear crystal. Everyone has Meijyu inside. People look for shining objects in the outside world. If we focus on Meijyu with all our might, it will shine through us; Meijyu then teaches us that man can shine from the inside.

After nearly 15 solo albums a piece, an appreciation for each other’s music formed a natural bond between these artists. On MEI-JYU, songs can be relaxing and melancholy, dark ambient, multi-dimensional, bucolic, ritual, minimalistic. The voice is always inspired and spontaneous; the quality of a sincere prayer opens to different rooms full of emotions. A child-like pure quality sometimes creates a sweet tension, but the unique voice can also be quite strong and lightly dramatic. The ritual approach to music by these artists creates something beautiful here, delicate and deep, magic landscapes for the soul.