Dramatic and compelling in its flowing timbral changes, John Palmer's music for instrumental ensemble projects an interesting and original musical personality. The three works on this CD reflect Palmer's interest in Japan and Japanese culture. 'Koan' (1999), performed by the ComeT Ensemble Tokyo with solo shakuhachi performed by Teruhisa Fukuda, brings east and west sounds together in a striking mix. 'Still' (2001), for bass flute, viola and guitar, is spare and meditative. 'Satori' (1999), for harpsichord performed by the composer, is about the sudden shapes of plucked strings, bold and theatrical.

CDE Music, 2004