String Theory, a unique blend of East and West, is at once as exotic as the Forbidden City yet as comfortable as an old pair of blue jeans. Unlike XD’s earlier CD, Erhu Solo, this is a group effort. But just like that CD, it is the grace and fire of XD’s outstanding musicianship that makes this CD special. From the psychedelic Precious Water to the hootenanny of Happiness to the hard rocking DNA, String Theory runs a stylistic gamut.  There is even a version of the Led Zeppelin classic, Immigrant Song, that you have to hear to believe.    
String Theory is an eclectic tour de force by the undisputed champion of the erhu, Xiao Dong Wei.  Five Stars.
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String Theory is breaking new grounds. The most progressive use of erhu I have ever heard. It goes behond erhu soloist Weiwei Wuu's modern sounds. It also has echoes of the 1996 Grammy Award nominated «Tabula Rasa» effort of Jie Bing Chen and Bela Fleck (particularly in the «banjo and mandolin-accompanied» erhu playing). Xiao Dong's mix of erhu playing and Chinese singing rivals the Juno Award nominated work of the Orchid Ensemble. Touches of Gothic sounds, particularly in the song Precious Water, promise to haunt you for a long time. There is even a Rock N'Roll piece, the erhu adaptation of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song. Very amazing mix of «East meets West» music played skillfully by seasoned musicians. Must has been fun to record...and it is a very pleasing experience listening to this experimental wonder ! Many kudos for this marvelously peculiar recording. I am sure it will satisfy all listeners looking for some refreshing new sounds.
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