Zhongyu
Zhongyu, Chinese for “Finally,” is an ambitious progressive rock project by musician, composer and writer Jon Davis and long-time collaborators. The band’s mostly instrumental music continues prog rock’s customary blending sophisticated composition with ample experimentation. Influences range from vintage King Crimson and jazz fusion sources like the Mahavishnu Orchestra, more modern open improvisation and, yes, traditional Chinese sounds. The latter reflects Jon’s time living in China, as does the band’s playful satire of Chinese propaganda. The result is a mind-expanding combination of driving rhythms, skillful instrumentals and drifting dream sequences.
Zhongyu’s second and newest release, Super Z Attack Team is a retro-futuristic concept album. Arranged as a long sequence of interconnected tracks, it’s a constant stream of surprises. Progressive rock thrived in the ‘70s, before being declared clinically dead by the music intelligentsia before the decade’s end. Little did they know that it would be rivived and thriving nearly fifty years later. Zhongyu is among its finest purveyors, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the RBR family.
Hear Super Z on Bandcamp.
Zhongyu’s members are:
Meet the members of Zhongyu:
Jon Davis on Chapman Stick, hardware and software synthesizers, guzheng, samples, field recordings, Otamatone, percussion, theremin, didgeridoo, toy piano, programming
Jim DeJoie on baritone and alto saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet, flutes, percussion and voice
Randy Doak on drums, percussion
Learn more about Zhongyu here, and explore the backstory of Super Z.
“One of this bumper year’s top releases, highly recommended to lovers of instrumental progressive rock – especially those who value the cross-fertilization of Western and Eastern musical traditions.”
“Atmospheric, relaxing and introspective... an original and wonderful album”
