Far Eastern Folk Influenced Prog
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Recommendations/Featured albums
Forum Description: Make or seek recommendations and discuss specific prog albums
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=97201
Printed Date: June 28 2025 at 21:53
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Far Eastern Folk Influenced Prog
Posted By: Polymorphia
Subject: Far Eastern Folk Influenced Prog
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 17:46
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No, not middle-eastern. I want prog bands (non-prog is welcome too, I guess) who betray shameless influence from southeast asia. Gamelan, kabuki, taiko, you-name-it. And I don't want the Yoshida Brothers. The closest equivalent I've found is Geinoh Yamashirogumi
And Dun has some delicious gamelan (and other folk musics) influence as well. |
Replies:
Posted By: ClemofNazareth
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 18:28
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http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=6316" rel="nofollow - Verdun . Sorry, that's all I got... ------------- "Peace is the only battle worth waging." Albert Camus |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 21:11
Doesn't ever seem like there are a lot of artists to suggest for what I'm craving. I suppose I'll have to make far eastern goth folk blackened zeuhl metalgaze with modes of limited transposition on my own. 
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Posted By: honganji
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 22:35
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Tenjo Sajiki / Shintokumaru (album)
%20" rel="nofollow - http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E8%BA%AB%E6%AF%92%E4%B8%B8-%E5%A4%A9%E4%BA%95%E6%A1%9F%E6%95%B7/dp/B002YOGKY0 Shintokumaru whole source (on YouTube) recorded on June 22, 1978 different stage from album Shintokumaru http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY9IwvmFt3M Katra Turana / The End %20" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=28254 As if okinawa's traditional music + gamelan + avant prog 
Krakatau / Rhythms Of Reformation %20" rel="nofollow - http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Krakatau-Indonesia_000000000361882/item_Rhythms-Of-Reformation_5557601 Great percussive album!! 
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Posted By: Failcore
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 22:37
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Ozric Tentacles usually has nods to both the far east and middle east on each album.
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Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 22:42
Woah, good stuff, hongaji. Thanks! 
I've listened to Ozric and wasn't a fan for some reason. Too smooth for me, maybe?
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Posted By: siLLy puPPy
Date Posted: February 19 2014 at 22:47
This is pretty far out stuff. Not exactly folky but it does include folk with a million other styles. It definately has a Japanese flavor to it.MASAHIKO SATOH AND THE SOUNDBREAKERShttp://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=6060" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=6060 |
Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 00:51
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Not as ambienty as that Geinoh track you posted but try Guruh Gypsy, a band from Indonesia, there's a lot of folk and all sorts of authentic instruments. The production and the recording is pretty weird but there's a lot of good music in there. Here's the more western sounding songs but there's also some pure folky stuff in the album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liXgEU2xoVs" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liXgEU2xoVs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdEZr3vhxvI" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdEZr3vhxvI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tkRbcWe-aY" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tkRbcWe-aY |
Posted By: Toaster Mantis
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 04:10
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Flower Travellin' Band's Satori is worth a listen, being progressive hard rock that's heavily influenced by traditional Japanese music. Despite sticking mostly to conventional rock instruments, it's like they've "rewired" the entire melodic language of rock music to come from their own country's music traditions instead of blues complete with a very odd guitar tone that sounds more like an extremely distorted sitar at times. The result is an extremely different listening experience from what comparable Occidental groups were churning out at the time. (Black Sabbath, Budgie, Deep Purple, King Crimsons heavier moments etc, Night Sun) EDIT: Removed dead link. ------------- "The past is not some static being, it is not a previous present, nor a present that has passed away; the past has its own dynamic being which is constantly renewed and renewing." - Claire Colebrook |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 08:59
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Masahiko Satoh and the Soundbreakers is far out! I actually found Guruh Gypsy last night, believe it or not, searching on the depths of google. Cool stuff. I also found a bunch of Penguin Cafe Orchestra-styled groups with heavy Japanese and Indonesian influence. I've heard of Flower Travellin' Band, but have not heard anything besides their cover of 21st Century Schizoid Man. Thank you all for the suggestions.
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Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 10:14
I'll pop by this thread when I have time and don't have to train monkeys, make smoothies and jump through hoops. I believe I have a suggestion or two up my sleeve - maybe 5 ------------- “The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 10:37
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Guldbamsen wrote:Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 11:16
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I mentioned Ghost earlier (in the shred room) , they're the first that comes to mind.
------------- My other avatar is a Porsche It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 12:08
| ^I saw. I've listened to a little bit, but haven't had the opportunity to give them a serious listen yet (I'm listening to pieces I have to learn on piano currently). |
Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 13:06
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First of all, an album every progger worth his salt should have in his/her collection, Mixtus Orbis by Clivage. This first part does have a few nods to the far east, but it's the rest of the album that really wraps it's lips around the subject. I'm posting this one because it's my fave:
Somewhere between freak folk, Krautrock and esoteric notions of the Asian culture, you'll find this strange Japanese recording. Approach with caution, but if it strikes home, it really does. Certainly did for me  Brast Debon: American pseudo-Swahili caveman Wulf Zendik is another one. He's featured here in Indo Raga, but there's equally much Krautrock and strangeness there: How about a modern one eh? American band Grails have fast become one of my favourite new groups, and especially on their 'Burning off Impurities' album, they manage to crystallise a magnificent bridging between east and west: Aktuala. An Italian band who plays every acoustic instrument known to mankind, at least the percussive ones, and make up a unique blend of Asian, African and ? folk music. I find this band completely bewitching: Third Ear Band. One of a kind act who sounds like they only recorded after 4 ks of hashish and some liquid bewilderment: ------------- “The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 13:12
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The easiest reference to make is...listen to King Crimson's Lark's Tongue in Aspic. Far Eastern influence through the lens of Ralph Vaughan Williams. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 13:15
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^Damn skippy! Though I strongly suspect he's heard that album before. ------------- “The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 13:23
True, but perhaps he's never listened to it in context with its influences. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 13:34
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I'd like to recommend Second Hand Rose Band from Beijing. |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 18:16
^I think you might have misunderstood. I'm looking for prog inluenced by far eastern folk, not necessarily far east prog bands influenced by (western) folk.  I'm open to Indo/Raga, but, ideally, I want even further east. Liked the links though, David. They contained enough far far east influence to satisfy my thirst for the Orient. Also, I'm having this strange sensation that I might need to listen to LTiA again.
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Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 21:07
^ I do not think you even know what you're looking for.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Hand_Rose" rel="nofollow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Hand_Rose |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 21:16
I apologize, didn't listen long enough into the first video. 
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Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 21:41
Apology accepted. Therefore, you can now hear Xiao He from Beijing http://tenzenmen.bandcamp.com/album/the-performance-of-identity-one-mans-orchestra" rel="nofollow - http://tenzenmen.bandcamp.com/album/the-performance-of-identity-one-mans-orchestra 
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Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 21:49
Well...ummm...that sucked. Based on the contents of the video, I hope that wasn't what he was looking for. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 21:49
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@Sventonio, Interesting voice he has Not bad. Reminiscent of Chinese Opera with some overtone singing thrown in there. I'm also interested to check out the Maybe Horse label. And its true that the Second Hand Rose Band wasn't really my cup of tea (aside from the actual folk influences), but I'm grateful for the suggestions, regardless of whether I like them or not.
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Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 22:26
Actually, based on the two videos I posted, anyone who has an ear for music and an open mind will be able to see (hear) that the music is magnificent and unique. It's not prog, not even world music, but read his opening post. He says that non prog bands are also welcome. Bye! |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 22:36
I'm sorry, I couldn't hear the music over the singer's caterwauling. It was vaguely reminiscent of Yoko Ono shrieking in Japanese. Had I listened further, I suppose I would have been more open-minded...from my skull splitting in two. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 23:06
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Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 20 2014 at 23:22
Ooooh, you got me there Svetty! Is that a Chinese proverb? Perhaps that can be the band's next album title. ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 15:20
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Palden Rangjung by Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbetts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCXekP9R8d8" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCXekP9R8d8 Song of Realization by Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbetts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGNYwuWWOuw" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGNYwuWWOuw 瓊英·卓瑪 Any Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbetts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5WCsKN5X2g" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5WCsKN5X2g  http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2679" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2679 |
Posted By: BaldFriede
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 15:47
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Try Embryo with the Karnataka College of Percussion Live; you can't get any more authentic than that. Here an example track: -------------  BaldJean and I; I am the one in blue. |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 22:53
http://www.ecmrecords.com/Background/Background_1797.php" rel="nofollow - http://www.ecmrecords.com/Background/Background_1797.php
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Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 18:17
| Thank you all for the recommendations. Really appreciate it. The Far East doesn't get enough attention musically. Even in genres like J- and K- pop there are some cool things happening. |
Posted By: Mascodagama
Date Posted: February 26 2014 at 08:05
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Dennis Rea, Views from Chicheng Precipice:
http://www.dennisrea.com/views-from-chicheng-precipice" rel="nofollow - http://www.dennisrea.com/views-from-chicheng-precipice ------------- Soldato of the Pan Head Mafia. We'll make you an offer you can't listen to. http://bandcamp.com/jpillbox" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp Profile |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: February 26 2014 at 08:17
In the early days with the flute player, they had some touches that might be considered "eastern" but they were hardly anything, but a simple introduction or opening to a piece of music. There is no "influence" when it becomes just another rock song, and an introduction, whose theme and event does not affect the song at all. Since John left, this band does not have that feel anymore.
Some others, that kinda play with this, in various different forms:
Agitation Free
Dissidenten (not usually considered progressive - rather pop'ish)
Jon McLaughlin (does a lot of eastern material)
Shankar
Monsoon (Indian band)
David Parsons (several CD's)
Georg Deuter
So weird to see/hear these kinds of threads. I remember the Sadistic Mika Band, at first doing rock'n'roll and satirizing it, and then doing samba and bossa nova mixed with rock music, at least making fun of the island music to the east of them. ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: March 20 2014 at 23:27
Pictures of Lakes And Buildings by Manchester's post rock / krautrock act Transmission 13 http://transmission-13.bandcamp.com/track/pictures-of-lakes-and-buildings" rel="nofollow - http://transmission-13.bandcamp.com/track/pictures-of-lakes-and-buildings (a track from the album entitled Kaleidoscopio, released 14 March 2014) |
Posted By: Norma Cenva
Date Posted: April 03 2014 at 10:05
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Well, I'm taking the "not necessarily" as saying that you are still open to Far Eastern groups nonetheless, ;-) Japan: Far East Family Band China: Cold Fairyland. As far as southeast Asia though, my knowledge is geared loosely toward more traditional. Ironically, childhood was spent listening to far eastern and Americanized far eastern music (Kitaro, etc), so when I listen to Western music that supposedly has a mildly Far Eastern flavor, it doesn't really stand out, it just sounds like how music should sound to me. :-) Now those that use an obvious instrument or technique are another story, but those aren't coming to mind right now. |
Posted By: Justamops
Date Posted: June 21 2014 at 17:19
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Jade Warrior's "Monkey Chant" on Floating World (1974) incorporates the
Balinese Ketjak chant (which would have been known in the West at the
time from albums in the Nonesuch Explorer Series). In general, Jade Warrior is the prog band I've run across that seems most influenced by Far Eastern ideas and philosophy, as evidenced by many of their song titles and album covers (and even their name). Side 2 of Kites is a suite based on "the Zen tale of Teh Ch'eng, the Boat Monk" (which story I'm sorry to say I haven't read). But aside from the Monkey Chant, the extent to which any of their music is based on or inspired by any actual Asian MUSIC isn't clear to me. |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: July 22 2014 at 07:08
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamelan" rel="nofollow - Gamelan and synths.. Vangelis is a genius.
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Posted By: Toaster Mantis
Date Posted: July 23 2014 at 06:49
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Zhaoze are a very good band combining post-rock with Chinese classical music, they seem to be pretty obscure outside Asia though to the point they weren't on PA last time I checked. http://lurkersgrave.com/2014/07/19/zhaoze-the-majesty-of-the-swamp/" rel="nofollow - Here 's a review of one of their albums complete with a sample track. EDIT: Fixed dead link. ------------- "The past is not some static being, it is not a previous present, nor a present that has passed away; the past has its own dynamic being which is constantly renewed and renewing." - Claire Colebrook |
Posted By: Saperlipopette!
Date Posted: July 23 2014 at 07:36
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Serious far eastern folk stuff from Herbie Mann Shomyo (Monk's Chant) from Gagaku & Beyond 1976. http://nhacso.net/nghe-nhac/shomyo-monks-chant.V1xRVUJb.html I'll be back with loads more later.
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Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: July 23 2014 at 12:22
Great track.
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Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: March 04 2015 at 04:34
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Srebro ("Silver") from 1975 s/t LP by http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2249" rel="nofollow - Hobo |
Posted By: Toaster Mantis
Date Posted: March 04 2015 at 05:00
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Now that this thread has been resurrected, I've fixed the dead link to Zhaoze and removed the one to Flower Travellin' Band. Couldn't find the track elsewhere on YouTube, so I replaced it with an in-depth description of the group's signature style. ------------- "The past is not some static being, it is not a previous present, nor a present that has passed away; the past has its own dynamic being which is constantly renewed and renewing." - Claire Colebrook |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: March 04 2015 at 16:04
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-------------  "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: tricksiebzehn
Date Posted: March 04 2015 at 17:48
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Interessting thread. Here is some stuff I got: Minoru Muraoka: Bamboo Minoru Muraoka is a shakuhachi player from Japan who mixes traditional japanese music with jazz and rock. While this is mostly jazz (and unfortunally some standards), it also got some rock tracks on the album, especially "The positive & the negative" is one of my favorite tracks. Start at 8m 47s to hear it directly. He also realeased Ozorezan, which is also cool. Ananda Shankar: Ananda Shankar and His Music Ananda Shankar is the nephew of the famous sitar player Ravi Shankar and also playes sitar, but in a more vinionary style. He mixes indian traditional music with jazz and rock and is one of my favorite artists. He also released a couple of more albums. Just check PA. John Mayer: Dhammapada John Mayer (not the random pop guy) is famous for mixing traditional indian music with jazz. The most releases by him are medicore in my opinion, but this album kicks ass, especially the first track "Maha- Samana" (or maybe the only track that is really good). Rock drums and bass with various wind instruments, sitar, veena, koto and tablas. Same goes here, more jazz then rock. I can't find a youtube link that works, so just try spotify instead: http://open.spotify.com/album/7dAgku39tcc2nijx6qehk8" rel="nofollow - John Mayer – Dhammapada So far. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/tricksiebzehn" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: April 21 2015 at 00:47
Nashon from Home in Bluffdale (2014) by Speaks of Rain from South Carolina. http://speaksofrain.bandcamp.com/track/nashon" rel="nofollow - http://speaksofrain.bandcamp.com/track/nashon  |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: April 21 2015 at 05:02
Neil Ardley - Kaleidoscope of Rainbows ------------- 
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Posted By: Flight123
Date Posted: April 21 2015 at 07:05
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Try Loop Guru - strong Indonesian influence? |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: April 21 2015 at 08:28
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Forgot to suggest Igra Staklienih Perli, they have an interesting space rock facet as well, with of course the eastern european folk influence, very interesting too - their music shows a touch of Middle Orient folk which for me is the cherry in the cake. ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: kenethlevine
Date Posted: April 23 2015 at 11:24
| some of Jade Warrior's Island releases |
Posted By: justin4950834-2
Date Posted: April 23 2015 at 12:06
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: May 13 2015 at 02:32
http://sonormusiceditions.bandcamp.com/album/vivere-a-tokio-citta-del-paradiso-original-soundtrack" rel="nofollow - http://sonormusiceditions.bandcamp.com/album/vivere-a-tokio-citta-del-paradiso-original-soundtrack  |
Posted By: Toaster Mantis
Date Posted: May 13 2015 at 02:37
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Lo and behold, it looks like Zhaoze have a http://blackivorytower.com/2015/03/14/in-black-shearwater/" rel="nofollow - new album out. From the sound of the streaming, it's at least on par with their first LP, but I need to give it a couple listens more. Has anyone gotten around to adding this band to the database yet? The group have also made a music video for one of the tracks. Maybe this will be the album that gets them an audience outside Asia... ------------- "The past is not some static being, it is not a previous present, nor a present that has passed away; the past has its own dynamic being which is constantly renewed and renewing." - Claire Colebrook |
Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: May 13 2015 at 06:28
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Not prog in a traditional sence of the word. But this Japaneese all girl band have a prog flawor and plays traditional Japannese instruments. ------------- Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: May 13 2015 at 06:40
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Time for me to plug the excellent album by a good friend of mine, Dennis Rea of Moraine - inspired by his experiences in China and Taiwan (also detailed in his equally excellent book, Live in the Forbidden City). The album, titled Views from Chicheng Precipice, is available for streaming on Bandcamp: http://https://dennisrea.bandcamp.com/album/views-from-chicheng-precipice" rel="nofollow - http://https://dennisrea.bandcamp.com/album/views-from-chicheng-precipice |
Posted By: Mascodagama
Date Posted: May 13 2015 at 16:52
Excellent record (which I also mentioned a page or two back on this thread). All Dennis' projects seem to be very interesting.
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Posted By: quasar k
Date Posted: May 17 2015 at 00:41
You might be interested in Jah Wobble.
Cosmic dub with samurai style. Beanbag chair and lava lamp in the wash*tsu. Miyamoto Musashi meets Scratch Perry. Good stuff! ------------- I've been ionized, but I'm okay now. |
Posted By: quasar k
Date Posted: May 17 2015 at 00:43
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Did the forum censor bot really just edit that word? I should have copied it in kanji. So much for a clever description. Hilarious. ------------- I've been ionized, but I'm okay now. |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: November 04 2015 at 23:22
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My favourite track Ronin on the debut solo album entitled Vanished Age by Napier's Bones' Gordon Midgley, uses a Japanese Kumoi scale. http://https://gordonmidgley.bandcamp.com/track/ronin" rel="nofollow - https://gordonmidgley.bandcamp.com/track/ronin" rel="nofollow - https://gordonmidgley.bandcamp.com/track/ronin  http://https://gordonmidgley.bandcamp.com/track/ronin" rel="nofollow - http://https://gordonmidgley.bandcamp.com/track/ronin" rel="nofollow - |