Music for Zen Meditation is very relaxing
I first heard this music at a friend's office and found it very soothing so bought it from Amazon where I seem to find the best price. For anyone that wants to use music during meditation it is great or just to relax while driving or sitting.

Brilliantly conceived, and arranged meditate music...
An intriguing album, this one......"Tony Scott", a celebrated Be-Bop clarinet player, with a string of jazz albums to his name, decides to purse his personal ongoing interest in Far Eastern culture, and link up with several renowned Japanese instrumentalists ("Shinichi Yuize" & "Hozan Yamamoto"), and develop and create, a traditional Eastern-sounding album, that focuses on the Cerebral, Self-conscious and introspective nature of typically classic- oriental derived music.

Strangely, considering Tony's strong background in jazz, this sounds far removed for any of his previous works, and whether it's through an affinity for classic oriental music, or desire to produce something more elegant or organic....he convincingly succeeds in achieving his goal. If you wasn't already aware of the fact, that this was created by a non-oriental musician, you'd be hard pressed to notice, that this isn't arranged by a non-oriental musician. The mood is one of contemplative moods, and serene arrangements, with the music taking on the form of what seems like initially simple, and largely uncluttered music, that skilfully mixes the minimal melodic tension of the instrumentation, and creates a calming effect, which effectively draws the listener into the overall mood of the mostly improvisational nature of the music. Scott's clarinet weaves in-and-out beautifully with the bamboo flute and Japanese zither, of `Shinichi' and `Hozan's' impeccable performances.

It retains a studied ambience, that will impress those looking for music to actually unwind or indeed relax to, and although I haven't tried to actually meditate to this album, it's not too hard to imagine that achieving some inner-peace, whilst meditating to this, wouldn't be entirely possible . In fact this feels a little like it was intended for use into Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies. It's one of those albums, that can work differently for each listener...some may find this album to be a remarkably focused and poignant collection of tunes with an overall elegant mood and stance. Others with find that it can be an incredibly relaxing and soothing record, and as tranquil as a Japanese tea garden. While someone else (such as myself), will find this merely perfect music to unwind and relieve tension, or a long day after work, when you just need to come down several notches. And of course, there will be those that probably use if for it's initial intention, to meditate, work or study to.....such is the wide ranging series of expressions, that this album invokes.

I've have to assume that those of you that are reading these reviews are actually considering picking this album up, and you haven't just stumbled across this album (ironic, as that's how I found out about this...reading an Amazon readers `List of recommendations'). This album does exactly what it was intended to do, which is to relax and entertain in equal measures. It's extremely powerful music, impeccably performed, wonderfully emotional, hypnotic in the best possible way, and impressively powerful...in a strangely quiet way. Anyone considering this album...comes with a very high recommendation from myself (and by the other reviewers, judging by their ratings), should buy with confidence...in what is one of the most beautifully honest albums, I've heard in a while.

Wonderful, Relaxing & Soothing
This was the first meditation/spa cd I have ever purchased.... and Wow I am so very glad that I took the plunge. It's beautiful!

Wonderful, Relaxing Music
I absolutely love this album. I do not meditate to it, however I love to listen to it in the evening as a way to relax and ease into sleep.

I brought a few cds with me to the hospital for the birth of our son and this was the only one I wanted to listen to throughout the whole labor (over and over) Everything else drove me crazy. I guess it was kind of a meditative aid during that time. It helped me to focus outside my body instead of on the contractions. I would actually count on the next note to appear just before it did. I don't know if I could even do that now. So, this was the first music my son ever heard in his world outside the womb.

My husband uses it now to rock/walk our son to sleep each night.

surprising rich and wonderful
The CD title is silly, the song titles too for that matter, but this is a great CD. I've listened to it for years. Like a lot of practictioners, silence is the only meditation music for me. I'm sure there are those who like music in the background, who knows. What matters is that the music on this disc sets a standard that's not been equalled in New Age music. Tony Scott's jazz background gives him a rare originality and freedom, and these players find an authentic musical unity in a disc of rare improvisation. Koto master Shinichi Yuize and shakuhachi player Hozan Yamamoto share full measure in making a lasting recording that never tires, and asks nothing it doesnt return ten fold. Once you hear this recording, you'll want it always nearby. It's a real treat.(4/07 note: musician Tony Scott passed away last month. THANKS for a great CD, Tony!)