Celtic Zen

Celtic Zen was founded by LA guitarist/composer Levi Chen. The various other members consist of Lisa Franco on Celtic harp and Michael Masley in the cymbalom hammered dulcimer. The group’s sound is certainly extremely metallic and stringy; Chen’s Stratocaster electric guitar emulates the Chinese language gu zheng, a steel-stringed koto-like device, while Masley’s hammered dulcimer “pings” when struck along with his exclusive finger mallets. Because of their first self-titled record (1997), Celtic Zen asked ten guest performers, who played several Oriental and globe musical instruments and percussion. The group’s sound provides neither the emptiness of “zen” music nor the melody of Celtic. Its wealthy and unique Oriental taste should charm to those that just like the music of Kitaro.