Henry Cheng

Four CD set. Wind Borne - The Island Albums 1974-1978 features newly remastered versions of Floating World, Waves, Kites, and Way Of The Sun. After releasing a series of albums for Vertigo Records, the original line-up of Jade Warrior split in 1973. Flautist Jon Field and innovative guitarist Tony Duhig decided to continue under the moniker and embarked on composing and recording a series of wonderful albums for Island Records in 1974. Coming to the attention of Island founder Chris Blackwell through a recommendation from Steve Winwood, Island issued Floating World in 1974. Stylistically, Jade Warrior had now evolved into an instrumental entity, pioneering a unique fusion of ethnic Japanese influences and ambient progressive rock which soon became critically acclaimed. The 1975 album Waves took this template still further and featured guest musician Steve Winwood on piano and Moog synthesizer. Kites, issued in 1976, was even more ambitious, featuring a host of guest musicians including Fred Frith of Henry Cow and Clodagh Simmons of Mellow Candle. Jade Warrior's final album for Island Records, Way Of The Sun, was issued in 1978 and was arguably their finest album. An incredibly evocative work, inspired by the mythology of the Incas, the album saw Field and Duhig at the peak of their creative powers.