PACIFICTION RECORDS

THE HSU-NAMI

Specializing in the er-hu, often referred to the Chinese violin for its use in Chinese traditional music, Taiwanese American musician and composer Jack Hsu sought to apply the instrument to contemporary genres of rock, metal and progressive. In late 2005, he teamed up with several honed musicians who would help him achieve his goal in forming the Asian fusion group THE HSU-NAMI. Ever since, the waves can be felt crashing around the NYC area and breaking further with the 2007 release Entering The Mandala.

Members:

Jack Hsu - erhu
Brent Bergholm - Lead Guitar
Vinny Belcastro - Guitar
Derril Sellers - Bass
John Manna - Drums
Adam Toth - Keyboards

TRACK LIST:

Rising Of The Sun
Mimosa
The Godfather Theme
Interlude
Rogue Wave
Beautiful Night
Entering The Mandala

BONUS TRACKS:
Rising Of The Sun (Unplugged Live)
Entering The Mandala (Live at Edison)

PACIFICTION REVIEW:

With its hypnotic er-hu, wailing guitars and tight breakdowns, Entering The Mandala represents one of the finest attempts at fusing traditional Asian sounds with modern rock forms. "Rising Of The Sun" opens the album with a condescending mix of progressive rock and metal; once the er-hu casts its spell, the waves of THE HSU-NAMI break the day. Bright with tropical overtones, "Mimosa" is characterized by alternations between driving hard rock and plaintive violin. THE HSU-NAMI boldly takes the listener to the Old World on their rendition of "The Godfather Theme" where Jack replaces the classical violin with the er-hu. "Rogue Wave" begins with a more mysterious Far East quality and gives way to intense guitar solos playing alongside Jack's lead riff, then is propelled by metal rhythms. Setting the mood for a funky night of dancing is "Beautiful Night" while "Entering The Mandala" leads the album out with a mystical vibe leaving you breathless at the innovative album you had just experienced. The bonus live tracks offer a glimpse at the intensity of their live performance; a phenomenon that shouldn't be passed up. For those seeking instrumental music that transcends the ordinary genre conforming trends of today, let the waves of THE HSU-NAMI crash from your speakers!