Chakra's Dream: Tai Chi

Tai Chi or Tai Chi Ch'uan is one of the most popular forms of martial arts, which has been proven for centuries to have great health and spiritual benefits. This CD is made up of 14 tracks that combine electronic pop music with pentatonic Chinese melodies and a rich tapestry of percussive effects. The graceful "Shanghai Moves" and "Nature's Rhythms" invoke the elegance of Tai Chi postures and visual images of the dexterous practitioner. Other selections such as "Stretching and Breathing" and "Exercising Form" use keyboards to simulate the sound of the Dizi (Chinese flute) and the Guzheng (table harp). Again, the mellifluousness or flowing power of Tai Chi is reflected in the smooth, compositional style. Many of these tracks highlight the different forms of Tai Chi used today. A total of six styles are represented here, including wu style and ho lei style. Overall, this is an excellent album to play while practicing this ancient Chinese art as this music is both meditative and dynamic.