David Shea

The Profile

American composer whose work explores relationships between images and sound; mixes electronics, orchestral writing, improvisation and ethnic instruments. Released Hsi-Yu Chi on Tzadik and has worked with musicians in John Zorn's circle.

Hsi-Yu Chi (1996) released on Tzadik; album features John Zorn (saxophone) and Marc Ribot (guitar). Review notes Shea’s interest in cinema (Western and kung-fu) and his range from electronics to chamber music.

A DeBaser review praises David Shea's Hsi-Yu Chi (1996, Tzadik) as an evocative, cinematic work that channels decades of martial-arts film music. The album mixes electronics, orchestral passages, jazz improvisation and ethnic instruments (guzheng, bells), and features John Zorn and Marc Ribot. The reviewer awards the album top marks and highlights its successful blend of ambition and listenability.