Kitaro has the gift to liberate my mind from the workaday and cast it free into realms of contemplation -- and nowhere more than in this CD, enhanced by the fact that it was recorded during a live performance, which makes me feel as if I am participating in a ritual.

I always imagine that I can hear the wind rushing over the deserts between one outpost and another of the Silk Roads.

My favorite cut on this CD is the actual segment called "Silk Road." I have heard it in several different performances; the way Kitaro alters the tempo in this one strikes me as the most emotionally satisfying.

I find the last segments, especially the taiko drums, exciting and frequently listen to them when I want to rev up my concentration so I can work effectively.

Kitaro is a master musician, but like the sources he has learned from, he is also adept in helping listeners reach into their own lives and souls.

Kitaro channels himself effectively through every instrument he plays. From the soulful electric guitar wailing of 'Mandala' (where I detect some David Gilmour influence - one lick in particular is from the song 'Hey You') to the delicate grace of 'Dance of the Sarasvati', the powerful 'Kokoro' to the beautiful strains of 'Silk Road' (among others) this is a CD that can be played again and again. Each song has a distinctive texture to it and the 'live feel' of the recording can give the impression that one is at the concert in person. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys music performed with passion and intensity. But those with 'MTV-itis' be warned: every song except one is over seven minutes long. (With some such as 'Kokoro' and 'Heaven and Earth' exceeding twelve minutes.) But then maybe this can be an aid to shedding the plague of short-attention-span that infects many of this generation. One can only hope anyway...

this man and his music surely must have a special place and heart

This is a good CD if you just want to relax and unwind. It was recommended by a friend and its really good. Cd was in condition as stated.

I got this CD based on the reviews. I was unable to listen to any samples, as none were allowed for this album. It wasn't what I had expected. The music is generally of a different genre than what I had wanted, louder, more energetic. I wanted something more meditative, peaceful and contemplative. Doesn't say anything about the album and music itself, just about what I had expected and been looking for.