Japanese pianist and composer Hiroko MINA unveils her latest album, Beyond The Silk Road, an extraordinary sonic journey released August 25. Inspired by the legendary cultural route that connected East and West, the album blends ancient traditions, contemporary composition, and world-class jazz performance into one breathtaking experience.
One of the album’s most remarkable moments comes in its opening track, “Wings of Celestial Maiden”, which features jazz legend Ron Carter. His deeply resonant bass lines intertwine with Japan’s highest form of traditional theatre, Noh—a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—creating a soundscape that transcends borders and even the Earth itself. Carter’s playing here is not mere accompaniment; it dialogues with the Noh chant, channeling both longing and reverence into the cosmos.
Track two, “Sky Voice – Carried by the Wind”, showcases another UNESCO-recognized art form: Mongolian throat singing (Khöömii), performed by the masterful Liu Wei. This rare vocal technique—producing two distinct tones simultaneously—adds an otherworldly dimension to the album’s expansive sound palette.
What sets Beyond The Silk Road apart is its diversity. Each of the nine compositions presents a unique musical landscape, making it hard to believe they share the same composer. From shimmering piano meditations to cinematic orchestrations, every track could stand alone as a single—yet together, they form a seamless journey across cultures, time, and imagination.