Japanese pianist and composer Hiroko MINA unveils her latest album, Beyond The Silk Road, an extraordinary sonic journey released today, 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.
Arrangers: Hiroko MINA (1-9), Hideki Tsusumi (3, 4, 7, 9)
Producers: Hideki Tsusumi (2-9), Nanny Assis (1)
Executive Producer: Hiroshi Kono Sound Engineer: Takeshi Hamada (1-9), Jim Anderson (1)
Assistant audio engineer: Alex Sterling (1)
Mixed by Hiroko MINA, Hideki Tsusumi (2-9), Nanny Assis and TomTedesco at Tedesco Studios (1)
Mastered by Ryoji Hata for Sound Essence Masters NYC
Photography: Nobuhiko Arima
Design: Akiko Terasawa
Music Publisher: Mandacaru Records
Record Label: Mandacaru Records
Product Number: MR-0088
UPC: 199513080897
Distribution: Distrokid
Special Thanks: Gishi Kobo Yui (義肢工房ゆい), Hisaji Okajima, Akihiro Yoshida Recorded at Hibiki Hall (1, 7), Fukuyama Bunka Hall (2, 4, 9), Heecon Studio (3, 5), Iasi Opera House (8), One Nine Studios (6), Precision Sound Studios (1) on June 17, 2025
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.
Album Credits
Composer: Hiroko MINAArrangers: Hiroko MINA (1-9), Hideki Tsusumi (3, 4, 7, 9)
Producers: Hideki Tsusumi (2-9), Nanny Assis (1)
Executive Producer: Hiroshi Kono Sound Engineer: Takeshi Hamada (1-9), Jim Anderson (1)
Assistant audio engineer: Alex Sterling (1)
Mixed by Hiroko MINA, Hideki Tsusumi (2-9), Nanny Assis and TomTedesco at Tedesco Studios (1)
Mastered by Ryoji Hata for Sound Essence Masters NYC
Photography: Nobuhiko Arima
Design: Akiko Terasawa
Music Publisher: Mandacaru Records
Record Label: Mandacaru Records
Product Number: MR-0088
UPC: 199513080897
Distribution: Distrokid
Special Thanks: Gishi Kobo Yui (義肢工房ゆい), Hisaji Okajima, Akihiro Yoshida Recorded at Hibiki Hall (1, 7), Fukuyama Bunka Hall (2, 4, 9), Heecon Studio (3, 5), Iasi Opera House (8), One Nine Studios (6), Precision Sound Studios (1) on June 17, 2025
For more information contact Scott Thompson Public Relations.
