Changing gears...

                                            As many know, my interest in music and playing instruments tends to vary depending on time of year and my always busy mind. One moment it is all about the shakuhachi, the next it is back to classical music and all that it offers. Still, again, it will drift to world music, especially Celtic music from Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This is where my heart and head seem to be right now, and I don't know for how long as I simply drift with the wind and go wherever my heart and musical soul take me. Although Celtic music is always with me due to being part of my heritage and blood, right now I'm studying Welsh and Scottish Gaelic, so it seems apropos.

                                            In addition to the love of the music itself, my desire to admire the instruments themselves is a big part. Therefore, I have collected a few whistles and flutes that are used in this most lush and beautiful genre of music. Here is a shot of the whistles I currently own, which include( top to bottom) models from Walton, Clark, Tony Dixon, Feadóg and Oak:

                                               They are in either C or D and play well. The Tony Dixon and Feadóg are my favourites for sure with the best play-ability and the Oak a close second.




The newest, the Tony Dixon whistle in D, is amazing and I'd love to get a Low D flute from his lineup as well. So many Celtic pieces use the whistle or flute (Irish or other) and my sheet music/book lineup has grown a wee bit.






As for the flutes themselves, I have two Celtic flutes, built by Michael Howard of Kolbe Flutes;

The primary flute is a beautiful flute made of bamboo and in a key of C.
Second is the more simple but delightful bamboo flute in D that takes a bit more air but sounds great.











                                                I have a LOT of work to do on these flutes and hope to advance a bit more in 2017 with some songs and abilities to play in a Session in Portland soon. There are a few Irish/Scottish pubs in Portland that have music sessions for Celtic music, with performers from all over the region. Add in a few pints and it is like those I've visited in the UK, where families and musicians come together to celebrate their roots and heritage as well as imbibe a bit.Should be fun!

Till then, more practice and study of the literature and music of my ancestors and culture.

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Tone colors of Autumn: A concert of Japanese flute music-Review

                                       This last Friday, the 28th of October, 2016, Pacific Northwest shakuhachi lovers as well as those interested in Japanese music in general were treated to a rare concert at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Many of us were thrilled quite a few months ago at the announcement of this event which would feature some of the world's best shakuhachi players and this night was to prove a delightful one indeed. Featured on this program were Matama Kazushi, Furuyu Teruo, Kakizakai Kaoru, Larry Tyrrell and Koto player, Mitsuki Dazai.

                                         
                                           On a beautiful autumn evening, surrounded by the stunning colours of the season, these superb musicians charmed and amazed us with their sounds and techniques. The concert started with " Tabibito no Uta" played by Kakizakai , followed by Matama's performance of

" Takiochi". 

The acoustics in this hall were excellent and did not disappoint the audience (close to 100) at all. After these two opening pieces, the stage was now ready for duets with Mitsuki Dazai on the Koto and Feruyu on the shakuhachi, playing Yumeji Modan #1 and #3. The koto and shakuhachi duet were to blend brilliantly in these pieces that simply do not get played nor heard enough outside of Japan. Fortunately, (this all too short series of concerts by these artists) we have the opportunity to hear these now and hopefully in the future again! The lighting in the hall was adequate for higher end cameras and if closer, I might have been able to snap better photos. But the music was my primary reason for sitting in the middle back part of the hall, so alas, these photos were taken from my phone. Pardon the blur and un-professional quality of them, but I'm glad to have been able to do it nonetheless. Below is a photo of the duets Yumeji Modan #1 and #3!



                                           Next on the program was a work by Rando Fukuda and played by the Pacific Northwest's own master, Larry Tyrrell. As amazing musician and shakuhachi player, Larry has also been a dedicated teacher in both the Seattle and Portland areas. I had the privilege of being his student for a time a few years back and learned much from him. This piece was played wonderfully and covered a wide range of tonal qualities!
                   

                                                           The piece " Makiri" by Katsuya Yokoyama was next on the program, this played by Matama Kazushi. Again, the tonal colours and range were amazing and further solidified within myself yet another reason I decided to learn and devote part of my life to this incredible flute.
                                                                    After the sounds from this grand piece settled inside of us, the time had approached for a World Premier piece, composed by Larry Tyrrell. This trio entitled "The Mountains Remain" was simply stunning in it's composition and proved to be satisfying in harmony and depth, making our consonance minded ears and hearts happy.

                                                                       Hopefully this composition will find it's way on to a CD or recording soon as the world deserves to hear it again and again! This photo is just after it's premier, with Larry Tyrrell on the right off stage, receiving accolades and thanks for this piece.

                                                                        After a brief intermission, the concert resumed with "Kikyou Gensou Kyoku", performed by Teruo Furuya . Then followed by one of my favourite honkyoku pieces, "San' An", played by Kaoru Kakizakai . Legend has it that komuso, or mendicant Zen Buddhist monks, would play this piece to pregnant women for the safe birth of their children. It is a very well known and wonderful piece of classic Japanese shakuhachi music and this perfomance certainly didn't disappoint. Kakizakai played it with such intensity and sheer poetry that your humble writer and player became gleefully and happily lost in it's tone and eloquence. The honkyoku pieces are my favourites , always will be, and "San'An" will be with us for a thousand more years.

                                                                        The last piece on the program was the trio "Wadatsumi no Iroko no Miya" by Rando Fukuda and arranged by Tomiko Kojiba. Again, an outstanding trio piece and one that was thought to be the feather in the cap of this concert. This was not the case as we were treated to yet another piece as an encore, this also composed by Larry Tyrrell. Based on "The Twice Married Daughter", this trio is entitled "Bretagne Variations", a North American premier and was yet another delight that didn't disappoint. What a way to round out the evening! We need more shakuhachi concerts like this!!

After the concert, I had the privilege of a brief conversation with these delightful artists and to thank them for their amazing contribution to the shakuhachi, Japanese music and the arts in general. Two years ago I had the fortune to attend the Seattle Matsuri and classes with both Larry Tyrrell and Kaoru Kakizakai as well, allowing me to examine and learn from the inner workings of these world class musicians. I hope to do this again sometime in the future.

The tour by the KSK Trio will continue this Wednesday,
 KSK Trio in Portland
and then continuing on to Colorado and California.
If you are able to attend one of these concerts, please do so in support of the artists and also The Japan Foundation.

Many thanks to the musicians and especially my sweetheart Dena who graciously put up with me this last weekend and my love of the shakuhachi and it's world. :-) <3

Breathe!!

                As shakuhachi players, or flute and woodwind players in general, we all know how important breathing is and the capacity involved. Sure, some flutes and instruments are easier when it comes to blowing, depending on the reed or method. A fipple style Native American flute or a whistle is a LOT easier to play, as one simply blows. But, that doesn't mean breathing is unimportant. It is just that one can concentrate on the sounds and music easier w/o worrying about an embouchere.

                 This is why I believe the shakuhachi and other instruments with a needed embouchere are so much more difficult. When I started to play Native American rim blown flutes back in 2010, it was quite the learning experience for me. It most definitely gave me a high appreciation of the artisty, dedication and hard work that is needed by players. And while I was able to learn the embouchere on all of my flutes and can attain it right away, that means nothing unless the music comes forth.

   So, this means I need to work on this MUCH more than I have. And that is where I want to focus my practice right now. Songs that I know, and there are only a few, can be used for this. but learning new material will take a back seat while I play Ro or Tsu for longer sessions and get my capacity worked up to longer than 30 seconds.

                      THAT...is what i will be devoting my practice to for the rest of the year!

Songs in the fingers!

                                      Since my last post about re-immersing myself in the shakuhachi world after a bit of a break, I have been able to get a few songs back in the fingers. Both " Hi no maru" and "Yuyake Koyake" were back and making me confident I could now tackle more from Koga's book before working on some tougher numbers.

                   Koga's book is my go to guide for learning and the best resource I have found for myself. There are other wonderful books and treatise on how to play, many I also own. Here are the books in my collection that have been inspiring and valuable on this adventure! Thank you so much to Masayuki Koga, Larry Tyrrel, Christopher Blasdel, James Noryaku Schlefer, Perry Yung and Geni Skendo.

These all are wonderful in learning the delights of the shakuhachi and are necessary in my travels through the world of this most amazing instrument. Now what I need to do is get my rear in gear and PRACTICE, which does not come easy to me. it requires a lot of time and go get it attitude and something I need more of. So, the resources are here. Off I go to blow RO!


 The Shakuhachi: A Manual for Learning

Enter shakuhachi....again!

                                                             My planned adventure into the Celtic flute world never really materialized and went by the wayside as life and schedules played havoc on my practice. Most of that is my fault for not setting time aside for it. I tend to get all worked up about something new and jump right in and this was what happened. It is most certainly still on my list for the future and I
 shall get to that. But....I must get back to shakuhachi practice. No, I NEED to get back to that as it was my first love in flute playing. It is also very meditative for me and centers me, my soul, my mind. So starting today, I will try to keep to a daily practice routine and advance. I say try as I'm a crazy. mixed up and always running fellow who never seems to stand still. Onward and upward!

Shakuhachi related news....as many might already know due to other posts on Facebook and Twitter, I had a great pleasure in meeting up with Perry Yung this month as he was traveling through the Portland area on vacation with his family. I have been corresponding with Perry a long time and have three of his shakuhachi, pictured below. These flutes have been HUGE for me and my life. One might say even "instrumental" (pun intended) in a life change that continues to this day.

 Over the last few weeks I have been reassessing my dedication to the shakuhachi and it's effect on my life, where it has been and where it should, can go. Not much has changed in this as it remains a part of my life and this is something I cannot see changing. The sound, the music, the tone....

Add the spiritual aspect that this beloved magical instrument brings to me and it is going NOWHERE. Granted, I don't dedicate as much time or practice to it as most of my fellow players from around the world. And there are a lot of them in my Facebook as well as Twitter life! The brightest stars and players as well as others like me who dabble and play when they can.



   What I love most about the shakuhachi and it's call to me must still remain the spiritual part. The meditative quality and effect it gives me. Some people might not understand how a simple instrument can do this but I think most musicians will get it. But the shakuhachi or any other instrument that is part of a religious faith, spiritual philosophy or mindfulness based belief simply defies description in some ways. Sure, the komuso played the shakuhachi as a part of their own meditations or as a way to call for alms from others back in the 16th to 19th century Japan and other Asian locales and it is uniquely part of and linked to the Buddhist tradition that adds flavour for me and encourages me to continue my Buddhist philosophical studies as well, keeping me mindful and aware.

This blog has been part of my journey in flute music and it's various avenues. While it is primarily about the shakuhachi, I do want to explore other genres of flute music. As they appear and intrigue me, I will blog about them. But the impact and foundation is and will always remain all about the shakuhachi! Time will tell where I end up on this journey and how it will develop. That is part of the charm, the eye opening aspect as one simply never knows. Plans are not made far in advance. Living in the moment , now, in the present: THAT is what I appreciate. Now...off to practice!!

The shadow that seeks the sun: new book by Ray Brooks

                                                  Years ago when I started my shakuhachi journey, every book available on that beautiful flute became a goal. My library simply had to own it and become part of the future education in my adventures. Among those volumes was a superb book by Ray Brooks, entitled "Blowing Zen". This detailed his studies and adventures while learning the shakuhachi and only strengthened my resolve to give it a go myself! My own studies progressed but time and life changed my study time as well as availability for lessons in many ways. Still, I love and adore my flutes while continuing to practice and learn when I can.

                                                   Fast forward to the current year of 2016. When I had read of a new volume from one of my favourites, I set about seeking out more information. The new book, just released, is entitled "The shadow that seeks the sun: a story about yogis, bhogis, and an unexpected encounter"

My first question was....is this about the shakuhachi as well or truly about experiences with yogis and a tome about India? Soon I would find this out as my copy was now on it's way to my humble abode in Washington State. Within a few days of it's arrival, the book was in my hands and being digested by my excited eyes.The answer to my question about inclusion of the shakuhachi was answered rather quickly. This was not another book about that subject though it was indeed mentioned a few times in context to the author's discussions in India. This book was going to prove a true delight in it's writing and style, for starters, but also as an eye opening volume about ourselves and how we perceive life itself. Ray starts this book with the meeting of various colourful people and their way of life in that just as colourful sub continent. But from there he moves from experience to experience, The introduction of a man named Rudra would prove to be a pivotal point in his quest for knowledge and wisdom after years of seeking true answers to life's always present problems. From studies with Krishnamurti in California to Rishikesh, India, Ray Brooks takes us to places we want to visit, places we need to see and places in our heart and mind that need inspection. Along the way he meets amazing people, from Crybaby and Sachin to Ram Prasad and the above mentioned Rudra. 

Certainly not wanting to give away the story nor the very enjoyable experiences Ray writes about, I will say that this book was a delightful read and makes me so look forward in anticipation to the next book!! Travel along with Ray Brooks during this journey and discover a different world, a quest for deep insight and become part of this every growing world we live in.

                                           A highly recommended read for sure!
                                      It can be ordered on Amazon or at Ray Brooks

Seumas Dòmhnal Ross

Distracted musician

                                                      Yes. I admit it fully. This has been a distracted summer and I'm a distracted musician. My goals to learn some Celtic songs and keep up with lessons and practice have been dashed as life took over my time. And while confession is said to be " good for the soul", that doesn't mean it makes everyone happy. And I'm a bit unhappy that I have been so lax in practice. Only just picked up Hideo the other day after a month and set about Blowing Ro for a while and get my lungs, playing back after the absence. This has always been my way of living and at my age I'm not sure it will ever change. I get distracted way too easily!

                                                       So...where does this leave me now? I have superb instruments that are simply NOT getting used as much as they should. Sell some? Gift them to the right people? Gawd, that would never be easy and I cannot see myself doing either of those things. Though I could use the money from a few flute sales to upgrade my camera situation and that is a very tempting thought as my photography is needing this. So...I just might have to think on it. Keep your eyes open for a possible sale! Oh, that would not include my shakuhachi except possibly the Yuu. it needs to go to a good home.

I'll end the post with a promise to TRY to do better and get my musical butt in gear!!





                                                     

Summer flute plans

                                    Apologies to my readers from the lack of posts over the last two months. It has been a whirlwind of a last few and now that my schedule has changed, much more time can be devoted to music and flutes. I've been having such fun and doing so much over the last few months that admittedly my music studies have derailed. This is what happens when life throws things at you, albeit, they were positive and good things. So, that being said,  the next planned music challenge is to get back on track with my Celtic songs. As mentioned in the previous blog post, the book by Jessica Walsh is my current song book and so will continue in that. Though...there is a new addition to the family of Celtic flutes. This is a bamboo transverse flute in D and I thank Michael Howard and Kolbe Bamboo flutes for the delightful instrument !I will use this in addition to the C alto custom made he created for me.

These two will form the foundation of my Celtic flute playing as will my various Irish and Celtic whistles. If I really stay determined and work hard, perhaps a few songs will be the result.


I also want to keep up on shakuhachi practicing and that has been sparse as well. I'm not the best musician at practice and need a kick in the butt now and then plus a schedule as to when and where.



 This is my mission. For this summer of 2016, it's to learn two to three new songs before the school season starts, which is just after Labor Day. A tall order but I shall tackle it. There are also a few small tunes I'd like to learn but they will stay a secret till I get the sheet music for them.

And...I will do my best at keeping up with the blog. Now that I have 50% more time to deal with, it is going to be tough to say I cannot maintain it. And away I go....!!!!!

A new flute adventure!

                                                               As was mentioned last month , a new flute was being custom made for me by Michael Howard of Kolbe Bamboo Flutes. This was something I'd wanted for a very long time, a Celtic transverse flute . This C Alto delight was completed and lovingly finished last week after many days of work, Happily I can report it is indeed a sweet sounding delight of a flute!!
Here are some photos shot by the creator, Michael (thank you for the use of the images!):

I wanted to have the accents on this flute to honor my Scottish and Welsh heritage, so the wrapping and cap both do just that. The wrap is darker in person and shows the colours of the Welsh flag just perfect! As this is in C and an alto flute, the range of three octaves is wonderful and it simply sings!

I can't stress enough how well made this delight is and strongly recommend Michael's work. The great part about bamboo is it's strength and versatility. It is indeed one of the world's best materials to work with and use. Here is a link to Michael's webpage as well as his Facebook page. Please, go visit them and dream up a flute for your own journey and adventure!

Kolbe Bamboo Flutes

Kolbe Flutes-Facebook

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So the journey and adventure have taken a turn towards Celtic music. This means that the rest of the year I shall be trying to focus on that genre of music and getting used to the transverse flute. The music I'm starting with includes this book here:

Not as easy for me due to playing vertical flutes the last five years or so. Hideo, my beloved shakuhachi, will most certainly still be getting used, so no worries there. I simply wanted to change gears and go a different direction, especially after my name change last week. Yes, I went to the courts here in Washington State and changed my name. My connection with the Celtic and Scottish/Welsh heritage is strong and this only adds more to my education. 

So there you have it.

            A new adventure, path and journey into worlds I have not yet explored!!

A long winter.

                                                        Not sure why it seems so, but this has been a long winter for me and seems to never end. Used to be I adored winter and the bleak,cold and darker aspects of it. But that has changed for I now really love spring and autumn the best, tired of the continual rain and downpour we seem to have every day here in my pacific northwest location. Still, it is a beautiful place and I have no intentions on moving (unless a Scottish or Welsh home is given to me for free !!
:-D  So that means I must take matters into my own hands....playing hands. And the last two months have NOT been good to me in this regard. Especially February and March as I have been lacking in the practice department. Was supposed to be playing some Celtic music and getting ready for the arrival of my transverse flute (more below) but so much of LIFE has intruded that I simply have been lazy about it. Ok, I confess: I could MAKE time and really be diligent. Alas, Welsh language study along with family genealogy, running and other activities have taken over. Therefore I need to schedule my practice time and keep up.

Not sure how I will set it up but it is necessary and needed for my improvement and in maintaining breathing,control and sound.



                                                            Now, on the flute front....I have a new transverse flute being created for me!! The new flute is bamboo but is constructed as a transverse and with many add ons and extras, such as a black walnut lip plate, end cap and reinforced hole ring. The black walnut piece came to me courtesy of Robert Guerassio , my sweethearts father, and how cool to have it be part of this beautiful creation. Here is an early photo of that lip plate.

Eventually the flute will take on a Celtic look and so this is not the final result. But Michael Howard Monroe is doing such incredible work that I'm giddy to get this flute in my hands to play! If you are interested in a custom, bespoke flute, send him a message !!

                                                             Kolbe Bamboo Flutes


So, until the flute arrives, I have been digesting more Celtic flute tunes and grasping the dynamics that are so completely different from Japanese shakuhachi music, as that was mu focus the last few years. It will be a great journey when this beauty arrives and will be the beginning of some great times ahead!!

That's the update for now. More will be posted when the flute arrives and then some photos can be taken and music made. Till then, happy playing and namaste!!!  __/|\__

Way too long!

                                                                 
                                                               All I can say to start is ....wow! I cannot believe it has been this long since the last post here. Time gets away from more and more as life takes up the precious hours. Since my last post, practice and playing has waned back and forth. I'm not practicing as much unfortunately but as the load lightens, that is changing. Although there has been a change since the beginning of the year. Last post, I'd mentioned how I wanted to learn Tamuke. This is still on my list of things to do and will be tackled. But, not this year like I'd planned. My focus has changed and a much needed break from things Japanese has motivated me to get back to more Celtic music study.

                                                                No, this does not mean I will be neglecting the shakuhachi at all. On the contrary, our wonderful flute can easily play Celtic music as is so aptly explored by my former teach, Larry Tyrrell. His CD release of " The Alder Bough" on Moonbridge is a delight that showcases how diverse the shakuhachi truly is.

Along with my beloved shakuhachi, I have also ordered a custom made bamboo flute in the key of  C, an alto for Celtic music. My focus will be this particular genre for the year 2016 as well as continued studies in the Welsh language. Sure, it's a far cry and away from the Japanese shakuhachi literature and not as pertinent to this blog, but that is the way I roll. Sometimes I simply change my mind and want to discover something different. And this is one of those times, although I have been flirting with Welsh for a few years now. Immersion is key for a language and Japanese shakuhachi was not helping out in that regard.


Wish me luck! Until next time...Hwyl fawr!