Shakuhachi: The Bamboo Flutes of Japan

Michael Gould - Shakuhachi: The Bamboo Flutes of Japan

Recorded at Kent State University Museum on February 18, 1997.

From the liner notes:

The Shakuhachi came to Japan in the seventh century from China and was a six-holed flute used in Imperial Court music. Later, in the middle ages, it was changed into the five-holed flute played today. Mendicant Zen monks who wandered the countryside played the Shakuhachi during their pilgrimages, wishing to be delivered from earthly desires. Honkyoku are the songs which were created by these monks. Unsurprisingly, the titles of honkyoku are usually associated with nature, i.e. trees, clouds, mountains, valleys, wind, etc.

"In Japan, a song of the same title will often be transformed as it takes on the character of a specific region or area. In this sense, I played the longer 3.0 Shakuhachi (88 cm.) length flute made by Yamaguchi Shugetsu of Kyoto, Japan, to best express what I feel here. The three songs, Bosatsu, Ukigumo, and Tamuke, are a tonal trilogy used to view the metaphysical landscape of life on Earth, then the freedom from worldly greed and desire, and, finally, the compassion born of such freedom." (Michael Gould)

(1) (2) [maybe reposted soon]

Tracklisting:

1. Bosatsu: Deity of Compassion {15:55}

2. Ukigumo: Floating Clouds {5:21}

3. Tamuke {5:55}

4. Daha: Striking Waves {5:15}

5. Sokkan {7:03}

6. Nezasa Shirabe {3:47}

7. San Ya: Three Valleys {8:02}

8. Honshirabe: Basic Melody {3:51}

9. San An: Prayer for a Safe Birth {7:26}