Search - Hozan Yamamoto, Japanese Traditional, Toshinao Sato :: Masters of the Shakuhachi

Bamboo duo

Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 09/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a jazzy shakuhachi duo (shakuhachi is the traditional Japanese bamboo flute.) If you like the sound of the shakuhachi, but want something fresh-sounding, this is your CD.



The duo of Hidekazu Katoh and Richard Stagg takes the shakuhachi to a new plain of merged jazz improvisation with Japanese sensibility. The fun parts are where the two independent flutes suddenly come together in unison, then drift apart again, always in harmony. It's uncanny. Very interesting CD and highly recommended for anyone who likes flute."

Challenging re-imagining of an ancient instrument

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 07/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A fine set of exploratory compositions on the Japanese bamboo shakuhachi flute... These duets are challenging and original, a fresh take on this ancient instrument; they don't have the same sustained contemplative tone as other, Zen-oriented shakuhachi albums -- indeed, there's almost an avant-garde tone to many of these performances -- but it's still quite a rich, engrossing record. Recommended!"