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New age multi-instrumentalist Riley Lee has become known for his polished musical compositions, and specifically for his talent of playing the shakuhachi flute. The shakuhachi, which is traditionally played by Japanese Buddhist monks, has propelled Riley into a prestigious role of being a dai shihan (grand master) of the shakuhachi. His musical work is breathtakingly meditative, soothing, and spiritual. His near-flawless approach has made a complex range of ethnic fusion absolutely stunning. He has released material since the early '80s and signed a deal with the worldbeat label Narada in 1999. Buddha's Dream appeared two years later and the same year New World Music issued the career retrospective Postcards from Bundanon. Lee then released Yoga Tranquiliy and Music for Zen Meditation, two sparse shakuhachi recordings designed to accentuate relaxation, yoga, and meditation. Picture Dreams, an album of duets with renowned koto player Satsuki Odamura, followed from Narada in April 2003. ~ MacKenzie Wilson