chris wong in sync

According to Chinese astrology, it's a bad idea for a person born in the year of the dragon to get together with someone born in the year of the dog. That's certainly the cautionary message about dragons and dogs in a book called Secrets of Chinese Astrology. "A relationship between these two volcanoes waiting to explode is full of risk," says the book. "Any romance will be rough sailing indeed."

Vancouver-based musician Randy Raine-Reusch has a copy of the book, but he hasn't followed its advice. In fact Raine-Reusch (a dragon) married fellow instrumentalist Mei Han (a dog) in June. Contrary to astrological assertions, the players are blissfully in love. They're also ideal musical partners. Han and Raine-Reusch both contribute distinct approaches to music that harmonize well together. As well, they share an adventurous spirit that challenges each other to explore new technique and achieve a profound depth of feeling.

The aptly titled "Dragon Dogs", a song on the couple's extraordinary Distant Wind CD, exemplifies the rapport between the musicians. The track features both on zheng, the multi-stringed zither that's been an important instrument in Chinese music for centuries. After establishing the tune's beguiling melody, Han improvises with thoughtful assurance. Then both players empathically trade solos back and forth in the same way that jazz musicians have a call-and-response dialogue. Raine-Reusch provides the final improvisation, a wild romp on his zheng's strings. The performers, solidly anchored by Laurence Mollerup on acoustic bass, ultimately convey their individual character, make a contemporary statement and still retain the essence of traditional Chinese music.

Expect to hear all of that, and more, when Han and Raine-Reusch perform Aug. 24 (7:30 p.m.) at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The concert celebrates the release of Distant Wind, which reflects their years of music-making, but had its beginnings in a fateful phone call.

About three years ago Han called Raine-Reusch after she heard he had an innovative style on the zheng. When they met, Han wanted to hear Raine-Reusch play the instrument. As she recalls, "He asked, 'Are you sure you want me to play?'" The question was understandable given the different paths they've taken to becoming premier musicians in Vancouver's world music community.

In her native China, Han studied zheng with a top teacher and became a major voice on the instrument. She also established herself as a scholar. The 40-year-old wrote the zheng entry in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Han, who moved from Beijing to Vancouver in 1996, is a member of the Orchid Ensemble.

As for Raine-Reusch, calling him a "multi-instrumentalist" would be a huge understatement. The 48-year-old owns a collection of more than 600 instruments from around the world, including many he can play at a high level. Raine-Reusch has an international career that's taken him to jungles and towns of northern Borneo, where he recorded traditional music, and Vancouver recording studios, where he played sessions with Aerosmith, Yes and the Cranberries. Raine-Reusch also leads Asza.

So while Han dedicated herself to just the zheng, Raine-Reusch developed singular technique on many instruments. As it turned out, Han liked his fresh sound on the zheng. She was even open to appreciating Raine-Reusch's freely improvised zheng playing on Gudira, an album he recorded with Barry Guy and Robert Dick. Raine-Reusch taught improvisation to Han, who was a quick learner, and they began composing repertoire. The pair performed their compositions at events such as the WOMAD festival in Singapore, Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak, Malaysia and Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Tony Reif, who runs the Songlines label, encouraged the two players to document their music on a recording.

They ended up creating a collection of songs that radically departs from your average zheng music, which emphasizes sweet sounds in westernized arrangements. Distant Wind is the first ever recording of tunes for two zhengs and zheng with other Asian instruments like the Japanese ichigenkin (one-string zither). While the album primarily consists of melodically accessible material, it also incorporates unique tunings, techniques and harmonic structures. But you don't need to be an ethnomusicologist to enjoy Distant Wind. The album simply has deep soul.

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I still remember what a revelation it was to hear Zulu a capella singing by Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the late '80s. The South African group's harmonies were among the sounds that opened my ears to world music. Another a cappella group, Black Umfolosi from Zimbabwe, has also been on the world stage since the '80s. Aside from stirring harmonies, which bring Ladysmith to mind, Black Umfolosi also does lively gumboot dance. The 11-member group will perform Aug. 22 (7:30 p.m.) at Shaughnessy Heights United Church (1550 W.33rd). Black Umfolosi will also give workshops Aug. 21-22 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Call 713-1800 to register.

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Hearing Marilyn Lerner in any setting is a treat. The pianist, who has performed with musicians such as Steve Lacy and Jane Bunnett, is a compelling player. But hearing Lerner perform in an idyllic place like Tofino would be extra special. That's exactly what she'll do Aug. 23, when Lerner will play solo in a benefit for Friends of Clayquot Sound. The concert will be in a home on Chesterman Beach. Only 50 tickets, which are $100 each (for the concert and cocktails), are available. Call (250) 725-4218 or (250) 725-3992.