There was a time when the term "Chinese music" was used in a derogatory fashion, but with the growth of world music in the 1980s, some labels began to realize that perhaps a worldwide audience could appreciate China's musical legacy. In fact, Chinese music can be incredibly soulful and haunting. This is definitely true of Yuan, a moving, largely instrumental date uniting oboe player Shung Tian with the acclaimed Guo Brothers. In contrast to modern Chinese pop musicians, these players take an essentially traditional approach and offer arrangements of familiar Chinese folk songs like "Soldiers of the Long March," "One Flower," and "Springtime on Parmir Mountain." Although bass guitar and electric keyboards are employed, time-honored instruments like the zheng (a Chinese harp), bamboo flutes, and the oboe are what stand out on this excellent set. ~ Alex Henderson