I was having coffee at Cafe Angelique with Frank Louis, who took photos of me in New York, and while we were talking I noticed the Erhu playing softly over the sound system. I have always enjoyed the sound of that Chinese violin, the most human sounding instrument it is said, and thought that we were hearing a soundtrack. But, as we got up to pay and exit I heard a guitar solo and realized the song was Golden Lotus, from the album Monsoon by Asiabeat. Sadly the album is out of print and not even available online. I found a couple of entries in my diary from 1994, when I was in Singapore to record with Asiabeat: one and two.
Since the recording is out of print and not available and since I am only giving you one song from the album, I feel fine about doing this. Consider it advertising. Consider it trying to remind folks of an album that used to be available. Why albums that are out-of-print can’t at least be available in download-formats is beyond me. There are almost no manufacturing costs! Anyway, enjoy this piece, which was also available on the third Buddha Bar compilation at one time…
You can download the 320kbps file here.
Serene Silk of Sound. Beautiful Song.
Such a beautiful beginning. Quiet sounds that make you imagine that you are standing nearby listening to the song of birds. This, along with the sweet sound of the erhu is far more than perfect.
Thank you.
Ah, I have that album thanks to you…a reminder to play it again.
Simply beautiful…
That was lovely. Thank you!
I’m with Carol, I have the album… its wonderful. Need to listen more often!
I’m already looking for the CD… Amazon seems to have several for sale. Thanks for the download and for sharing this beautiful song.
BTW… I signed up today for Ottmar & friends!
Victor: That’s great. I think the albums for sale on Amazon are used. Wait, there is one new one… for $45!!! Tried to find a website for the band Asiabeat, but didn’t. This website has a bio about Lewis Pragasam and a contact email at the bottom or contact Lewis at Facebook.. Lewis Pragasam = Asiabeat. If you don’t want to buy a used CD and you don’t want to spend $45 on a new one, you could contact Lewis directly and send him five or ten bucks, then search “torrent asiabeat monsoon” and download the music for free. Lewis would not make ant money from a used CD and he might see a buck from the new one, maybe.
Thanks for the info, Ottmar! I definitely want to get a copy of this album/CD.
FYI… Ottmar & friends is great! I appreciate the music downloads and all the neat stuff you are sharing here. Looking forward to future music, photo & thought contributions!
Now, I have to decide if I’m driving to Santa Barbara or San Diego next month, as I’m not a big fan of the Newport Beach Hyatt!
There are also a few CDs available on eBay. As Ottmar suggested I would also want to send Lewis a few bucks for his hard work.
Received my Asiabeat – Monsoon CD from Amazon. It’s basically brand new with a hole punch through the UPC code. Putting it in the CD tray as I type this to load onto my iPod. : )