Guo Yazhi - Sorrow of the River (One Step) / MA Recordings

Guo Yazhi is considered one of the best suona players in the world. The woodwind instrument from Central Asia, which resembles the Western oboe, plays an important role in Northern Chinese

folk music and is characterized by its powerful, loud sound. Todd Garfinkle of MA Recordings recruited the exceptional musician for this recording in 2007 and released "Sorrow of the River" for the

first time on his California label in 2010. Guo Yazhi plays other exotic reed instruments in addition to the suona, accompanied by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.This album is a gem for anyone

interested in Chinese culture. Perhaps most accessible to Western ears is the duet "Reflection of Moon Upon Er Quan" with He Tao, featuring Guo playing soprano saxophone. Audiophile listeners will

delight in "The Marriage Journey," with a thunderous, low-frequency drum capable of rattling windows. The titular "Sorrow of the River" is one of the best-known pieces of Chinese traditional music.

Guo plays the softer-sounding guan for this track.

Title

Side A

1. The Marriage Journey

2. Sorrow of the River

3. Birds Pay Tribute to the Phoenix

4. Love For My Homeland

5. Sailing at Night

Side B

7. Reflection of Moon Upon Er Quan

8. Three Variations on Yang Guan

9. Chit Chat

10. Lovers Lingering