Si Ji in Chinese is Four Seasons. We have chosen it to be the title of this "China" inspired album. I hope this disc will leave you with an image of variety and diversity of colors, like the four seasons.

As a musician, I feel a responsibility to communicate between different cultures and people through my music. As an artist from China, I would like to infuse the culture of my country in my music. As a guitarist, I hope to make a small contribution towards expanding the guitar repertoire, exploring new possibilities and enriching the techniques for the instrument.

The guitar originated in the Middle East, halfway between China and the West. Chinese culture is refined, poetic, expressive and adaptable, like Chinese painting. These virtues can be usefully applied to the guitar. I was struck by the possibilities of the instrument after recording this CD ...how ideas from the east have helped in exploring and enriching what is essentially western music.

I make music from my heart as always, and I hope that you will respond in a similar way.
(from the liner notes)

"Xuefei's keen sensitivity to her own culture brings an authenticity to this all Chinese inspired recording that is unique, and quite beautiful. The techniques used include rather harsh back of the nail strumming (very appropriate in replicating the plectrum style playing of much of the Eastern repertoire), stunning tremolos, lush and beautifully shaped melodic textures, microtonal string bends, twisted string drum rolls, dual tuning prepared instrumentation, and many more effects that will definitely open your ears to this vital and compelling music. Dean Kamei, as producer and engineer, has once again created a new classic recording and introduced a compelling new artist into our midst." - John Martin, Guitart Magazine

"Xuefei Yang's second album, "Si Ji," is both ground-breaking and beautiful. On this adventurous recording Yang introduces Chinese inspired melodies to the classical guitar canon. Not only is Yang's "Si Ji" an exceptional tour de force but is also a recording that should be very accessible to a variety of musical tastes. Classical guitar aficionados looking to expand their musical horizons will thoroughly benefit from this album. Also international and acoustic music enthusiasts will find this music quite compelling. Yang's technical abilities and fluency on her instrument are flawless and impeccable throughout this impressive and innovative recording. However, the strength of this masterwork lies in the inherent love she has for the music of her native heritage and her willingness and ability to introduce them to a wider audience." - James Scott, Minor 7th

"In this writer's 'perfect world' of recorded guitar music, new releases would constitute new and relatively less familiar music; comprise a balanced and enjoyable programme; be exceptionally well performed and exhibit high levels of technical and sonic excellence. Si Ji (Four Seasons) by the Chinese guitarist Xuefei Yang fulfills all these criteria. It also adds another unique dimension; no other guitarist has ever made a recording quite like this one. The technical facility displayed on this disc is often breathtaking and reminiscent of the Japanese master Kazuhito Yamashita. There is great strength, clarity and precision in her playing and few guitarists can replicate the tremolo speed and evenness that Ms Yang displays. This disc is beautifully recorded with an amazing 'life-like' presence. No review can do justice to this fine and unique recording. Only by personal audition can an awareness of its beauty and uniqueness be acquired. It is unreservedly recommended and definitely not to be missed." - Zane Turner, Musicweb-International.com

"...brilliant and uncompromising&sincere and superbly presented offering from an outstanding and original guitarist of the new generation." - Paul Fowles, Classical Guitar Magazine

"Wow! I was immediately captivated by the first piece, 'Yi Dance,' and that's just the beginning! It's interesting, surprising, pleasant, and inspiring." — Kuan Teoh, Guitarist News Letter (Minnesota Guitar Society)