I'm sure there are people who know more about this than me.

I am looking specifically at Chinese and Japanese traditional folk music. The only places I've heard this sort of music is in Kung Fu flicks and such, and would really like to add some to my library.

Also, what instruments are typically used? Anyone know?

Listen here
Livin just to keep from dyin
[img]http://imagegen.last.fm/TheDarkTen/recenttracks/imgooley.gif[/img]

Steven Chow's movies usually have catchy music.

go to 1:30 and some catchy folk thingy goes on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfWJkN8HTDA

"Hip-hop was set out in the dark. They used to do it out in the park"

I can't say I know much....
Asia has so many different cultures.... you'd probably need a "thesis-length" article to explain everything.

I really got into Okinawan Folk when I lived in Japan.... it's kinda weird in the beginning but it grows on ya.... but I'm not the best person to recommend stuff.

Try searching "Music of Japan" on Wikipedia.... they should have a list of traditional instruments.... but I can't really match the sounds I've heard to the instruments listed.

The only traditional instrument I can "somewhat" play is the Erhu (Chinese).... which is fuckin hard.... learned a bit from an old lady I used to play mah-jong with.... one of the best sounding instruments in the world, IMHO. Do a wiki search if you're interested.

As for the sounds in Kung-Fu flicks.... I think it's mostly percussion.... they have drums similar to Japanese Taiko-drums, but I forgot most of their names.... also lots of bronze bells.... Perhaps you could name some of the flicks and I can find out for ya?!

Other traditonal Chinese instruments used include the Pipa and Guquin (spelling?) .... both string based and used extensively in some "classic" Hong-Kong films. There's also a long flute-like thing called the Dize (or Dizi), I think.

If you want some Sino-Nihon traditional folk .... try this. Okinawa folk on a Erhu.

On a side note, I'm also really captivated my some traditional Indian instruments.... like the Tabla, Sitar and Veena (spelling?)...... A lot of traditional Indian stuff feels real cheesy to me, but the good stuff is proper pukka. If you want a modern "underground" rendition.... try some Talvin Singh albums like this, this and this. ...I'm by no means an expert... I like these because the samples work well for progressive/tribal club music.

I've got a few more Japanese and Thai cd's (some very traditional feeling).... but can't find sites that have them.... so no links for you, sadly.

If you're into modern lounge-asian-traditional-fusion stuff.... try a search for Buddha Bar in Amazon.... but I don't think it has much to do with this thread title.

Sorry if I wasn't more helpful.... and also for straying off-topic a bit.

Point & Squirt

The main reason I ask is because I have heard several Jazz pieces that draw on these traditional forms.

Specifically Derek Trucks, who played a Sarod on a couple of his albums. He has many, many South and East Asian influenced tunes.

So.

I wiki'd and youtubed and found some stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJxu0isbvPk

more later.

tired and need to sleep.

Listen here
Livin just to keep from dyin
[img]http://imagegen.last.fm/TheDarkTen/recenttracks/imgooley.gif[/img]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Girls_Band

I'm pretty sure we have a CD somewhere at home...

It was interesting but I can't say I remember their music...

searches more

do a search on Youtube =]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac2wvjdZXK4

[img]http://img.userbars.pl/69/13603.gif[/img]