Stock: 
Format: 
Release Date: 26-10-1998
Label: Celestial Harmonies
Catalog Number: 17067-2
Barcode: 13711706727
Musical Style: World
Track Listing:
| Disc 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gael's Song [04:13] | 7 | Improvisation [05:30] |
| 2 | Distant Cry Of Deer [10:00] | 8 | Noble [03:21] |
| 3 | Bass Improvisation [04:00] | 9 | Rokudan [08:24] |
| 4 | Sashi No Kyoku [04:08] | 10 | Zangetsu [10:58] |
| 5 | Toguchi [04:48] | 11 | Bass Improvisation [06:50] |
| 6 | Beyond time and Space [05:35] | 12 | Fuki [03:10] |
Description:
Shakuhachi master, Masayuki Koga, is a fascinating Renaissance man: a master musician, composer, producer and engineer, trained in law, with a penchant for philosophy. His music reflects those many aspects of his personality and his skills. Born in Japan at the height of World War II, Koga followed his father's footsteps in learning to play the shakuhachi, the bamboo flute that is associated with Zen Buddhism. Although secular music has been performed on the shakuhachi for a hundred years now, it still retains its distinctly Zen aesthetic. It is capable of very subtle tonal variations and expressive nuances, all of which Koga explores with his full spirit, emotion and intellect. Koga's unique contribution has been to expand shakuhachi music, playing not only the traditional music of Japan, but blending it with Western influences. His musical training was traditional, receiving his master–teacher degree from the Tozan school. Subsequently, Koga became the youngest member of the award–winning Ensemble Nipponia. In his mid–twenties, Koga withdrew from the orchestra to broaden his musical horizons, experimenting with jazz and free form styles. Koga moved to the United States in 1972, continuing to perform widely. To further spread the understanding of his tradition in the West, Koga founded the Japanese Music Institute of America. Koga explores the East–West dichotomy on Beyond Time and Space, Volume II. On one side, Koga's haunting melodies bridge the musical gap between East and West. On the other, the selections express a more traditional feeling. Both traditional and contemporary compositions grace The Distant Cry of Deer. Even in the traditional, the music ranges from folk tunes to classical pieces. This release, like several of Koga's, was recorded at Saint John's Church in Berkeley, California, chosen because the wooden walls of the church create a natural and warm sound. Moon at Dawn is a beautiful recording made with master koto performer Madame Tomoko Sunazaki. The two musicians have an unusual synergy, quite evident throughout the entire release. Eastwind: Japanese Shakuhachi Music is undoubtedly an impressive production. The packaging includes a stunning rice paper booklet. The selections are carefully chosen titles from three of Koga's previous releases, a perfect compilation for the audiophile interested in shakuhachi music. Masayuki Koga is a profoundly talented artist, devoted to his instrument. The quality of your life is reflected in the quality of your sound. I can sometimes fool myself, but I can never fool the sound. I am the shakuhachi and the shakuhachi is me.''
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