The Spirit of Shakuhachi is another one of Debbie Danbrook's older albums and features the eponymous Japanese flute. In this instance it's a compilation of tracks from her albums that are named after colours. Apparently the playing of this instrument is a traditional Zen practise called "blowing Zen". The sound this instrument makes does have a particular airy quality that could be thought of as an extension of one's breathing used to express meditative states of mind. On the twelve tracks (all under six minutes long) the listener is transported to tranquil places ideal for contemplation and restorative calm. As soon as the first track got underway I was mentally transported to majestic Himalayan scenery with Tibetan monasteries in the background. This piece called "Fire Breath" is delightfully meditative where varied flute tones sometimes hint at a melody. Later, on the forlorn piece "Angel's Lament" we first encounter Debbie's ethereal wordless vocals accompanying the music, these otherworldly drawn out sighs complement the flute sounds well. Bringing the listen down to Earth from astral realms is "Silken Strings, Wooden Bridges". This track incorporates oriental plucked strings which add their musings and little glissandos that conjure up images of peaceful walks through a Japanese water garden and over little bridges. The strings are heard again in "A Line of Cranes", this is a slightly more lively piece than most, reflecting the movement of the gawky but also graceful bird. An album consisting of Shakuhachi, occasional plucked strings, and some wordless vocals is both peaceful and not an easy listen because it needs a certain level of concentration to appreciate. The reedy tones of this Japanese flute can also become a little grating after a while. For those times when you can let yourself go and sink into a meditative or merely relaxed state then The Spirit of Shakuhachi could work well, at the very least it encourages one into a state where the cares of modern life fall away for a short time.