“Global Canvas,” Ron Korb’s 30th album release, offers a vibrant and innovative exploration of global musical traditions across 18 tracks. Here, we have a brilliant weaving together of the rich sounds of Asia with Afro-Cuban rhythms, Brazilian samba, Bossa Nova, jazz and world music.
This thoroughly engaging album showcases intricate, elaborate arrangements and all acoustic performances – with no AI, no pitch correction, and no autotuning – by world-class musicians from around the world. The result is an incredibly dynamic fusion of jazz spontaneity, classical precision, and global rhythmic sophistication.
Named one of the "Ten Best Flute Players in the World,” Japanese-Canadian flutist Ron Korb, a two-time Grammy® Award nominee, a celebrated musician, composer, and producer is legendary for his extraordinary virtuosity and wide-ranging musical influences. Ron’s music ranges from the fiery to the sublime, as well as to the intimate and cinematic. Among the 18 compositions is the track "Isla Grande,“ which won "Best Instrumental Composition“ at the USA Songwriting Competition.
A fascinating story also weaves in and out of this masterpiece of musical artwork. The original idea for this project is from the Korean myth about a magical bamboo flute called “Manpasikjeok,” which inspires the beginning, middle, and end of this album.
Joining Ron on this exceptional album is a host of first-rate musical talent, such as Latin Grammy® winner, Afro-Cuban pianist Hilario Durán, bassist Steve Lucas, George Koller, percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, guitarist Bill Bridges, Brazilian jazz guitarist André Valério, cellist Margaret Maria, Celtic harpist Sharlene Wallace, master tabla player Muthu Kumar, and erhu player Xiaoqiu Lin. The underlying brush strokes for this canvas include Asian flutes and stringed instruments, ambient, multi-faceted textures, along with fascinating world rhythms. All 18 tracks are original and are composed and produced by Ron Korb.
I like that the album opens with a 49-second prelude, which sets the stage for all that comes next. We feel ourselves nicely drawn in with its haunting flute and light drumming, beckoning us enticingly to explore further. Next, we are led to the tranquil, delightfully melodic and mesmerizing, “Dream Of The King.”
“Desire Prelude” is an enchanting 1-minute prelude, again with ethereal flute and light drumming. The composition, “Desire,” has a beautiful and sultry flute melody, with strings and percussion adding texture, depth, and a unique rich tapestry of sound. This is very uplifting and captivating on so many levels.
While we can’t address every track on this outstanding album, here are some other highlights: “Havana Sun” is so fun and filled with the joy that encompasses that “vacation vibe,” where one can just escape from all that ails them. I love the keyboards here in particular. Ditto for “La La Formosa,” which can translate to “the beautiful island.” We just feel transported. I must mention that this track has a “postlude,” which I find fascinating and very effective in terms of artistic expression.
After all this fun, we encounter the gentle and flowing “Kindness.” This is very nicely done with many expansive layers and textures. I can completely understand why “Isla Grande” won the big songwriting competition award that it did. This is thoroughly engaging with many twists and turns.
“Bossa Prelude” is 49 seconds of enticing guitar seducing us more than effectively into “Bass Flute Bossa.” This is a “must have” for Bossa Nova lovers everywhere. Just outstanding.
Conjuring up that “feel good” vibe, “Azure Nights” gives us another great escape. Violin and cello, among other interesting instrumentation add to the allure. And “Peace” is just that in a flute solo by Ron. Love it.
This breathtaking album winds up with the sinuous “Three Kingdoms,” with flute, piano, violin, cello, and much more leaving us with just the right amount of breathlessness and awe, knowing we have just partaken of something extremely special. Get the whole thing! In my opinion, it’s a Picasso. Bravo!
Get it here or your favorite digital service: https://ronkorb.com/store
Review by Dyan Garris, New Age Notes May 31, 2025
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