David Parsons has long been obsessed with Tibetan landscape and culture and inspired by the vivid history of Tibet. His previous albums have been deeply spiritual paeans to the Himalayas, reflecting various indigenous aspects of that region's society and rituals. DORJE LING is perhaps the pinnacle of such ideas-- Parsons' most involving and rewarding combination of mystic Tibetan folklore with contemporary electronics.
Parsons is one of several American electronic instrumental composers (reminder: not New Age!) who are in awe of rugged, expansive environments and of the innocence and traditions of such grounds' populace. The opening "Tantra" uses synths and a traditional drum known as a pakhawaj to punctuate its dramatic atmosphere. "Lahaul Valley" and "K2" are odes to those majestic natural wonders, while the 20-minute title track evokes images of immense distances and sprawling mesas of towering altitude. In a word: awesome.
