SUZANNE TENG - Alto flute, ethnic flutes, bass and C flutes, percussion
GILBERT LEVY - World percussion, drum set
BARRY NEWTON - String bass
DANN TORRES - Oud, electric sitar, guitar, percussion
ANDREW WERDERITSCH - Didgeridoo, percussion
With SPECIAL GUESTS (in photos) Lizbeth Scott (voice, harmonium), Prince Diabate (kora,voice), Naser Musa (oud, voice), Suheil Kaspar(dumbek), Michael Dwyer (percussion), Bobbie Jo Curley (celtic harp), Jamie Papish (Arabic percussion), Ada Karang (Ballinese Dancer), Katyia (dancer), Ruby Karen (dancer), Lynx (acrobat), Lexi Pearl and MoMentum Dancers, Melanie Kareem and "We are Baladi" dancers, Cynthia Valenzuela (celtic harp),
Influences
Loreena Mckennitt, Radio Tarifa, Miles Davis, Djivan Gasparian, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Satchdev, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Jobim, Sinnead O'Connor, Dead Can Dance, William Ackerman, Celia Cruz, Earth Wind and Fire, Stylistics, Roberta Flack, Tower of Power, Bach, Couperin, Ayub Ogada, Alpha Blondy, Fela
Sounds Like
Mystical, Ethereal, funky grooves, world drums, exotic instruments, world fusion, Gypsy, Bellydancing, Goddess-music, cool sounds, fun!
Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey is an instrumental world music band based in Los Angeles, CA. Their unique sound, described by Billboard Magazine as "sensual and serene," has earned them critical acclaim and international awards. They are the winners of the 2007 Los Angeles Music Awards/Best New Age Artist, the 2006 INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS/Best Instrumental Artist, and the 2005 and 2001 INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS for Best New Age Artist. They have also been a finalist for the 2005 IMA Best World Music Artist and several times for the Just Plain Folks Awards and New Age Voice Awards.
Their captivating performances are a mystical, musical journey around the world that take their audiences to a serene mountain top and then to an ecstatic celebration with hypnotic drumming and exhilarating dancing. Suzanne Teng, who the LA Times says "plays music for the soul," blends her Chinese, Turkish and other exotic flutes with Gilbert Levy's funky world drums, Dann's Torres' trance-style Arabic oud and electric sitar, Barry Newton's cool string bass and Andrew Werderitsch's groovin' didgeridoo to create new world music for a new world.
For a more detailed bio please visit: http://www.mysticjourney.net/bio.html
Reviews for their music and recordings:
"...brilliant flutist..." - LOS ANGELES TIMES
"CRITIC'S CHOICE, Highly Recommended" - BILLBOARD MAGAZINE
"Beautifully produced CD" - YOGA JOURNAL
"Lovely album" - LOS ANGELES TIMES
"...a sweet, ethereal musical journey...an East meets West production orchestrated by Teng's delightful flute performances and the joy that emanates from her soul when she plays." - MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
"Teng's chops are fluid and lithe, and the accompanists seamlessly augment her musical message." - RHYTHM MAGAZINE
"...lifts the listener to a place where beauty, ecstasy and tranquility reside."
- WHOLE LIFE TIMES
"One of the sweetest flute albms to come along in a while."
- NEW AGE VOICE MAGAZINE
"Masterful" - BOSTONIA MAGAZINE
"Rich and harmonious soundscapes...an imaginative world tour...unique and refreshing."
- YOGI TIMES
"A series of musical gems that feel as honest and as pure as any instrumental music heard today." - LA YOGA
"The music itself is timeless." - Magnatunes.com
"beckons the soul to retreat to a soothing, relaxing place" - Yahoo.com
Hello Suzanne and Mystic Journey, I enjoyed your song samples. I really liked your native flute and also the alto flute playing. Thank you for your Myspace friendship. -John
Greetings Suzanne and Gilbert! You guys put on a FANTASTIC show at Topanga Days. My sister heard your band for the first time and loved your music as well. Also, that you very much for attending our anniversary party,and for the beautiful gift.
I have looked at your schedule, and Mark and I plan on attending your next gig when you guys are in town.
It was so great to finally get to see one of your live shows, when Mark and I attended Earth Day. I listen to the CD, but you sounded even better live. Great having you guys as neighbors as well.
A quick head's up... I'm in the studio working on my new record "Tribute". Until that is completed, please feel free to visit my page and listen to some of my earlier trax! And most of all, THANK YOU for all your support while I was on tour with TSO. If it wasn't for all you crazy dedicated fans, I wouldn't be able do what I love every year! Thank you! James
