deep kyoto

Koichi introduces "Yugao-kun".

Our old friend Koichi Yoshida’s band Yugao (moonflower) performed at Zac Baran on August 1st. This was the first time for me to see him play with this band and the first time in more than I year I have seen Koichi play the shakuhachi. The set was an eclectic blending of classical, jazz and Japanese traditional influences played by Koichi on shakuhachi, Ikeda Ippei on piano, William Prunkl on cello and special guest Fujisawa Bayan on tabla. I was particularly struck by how well the cello and shakuhachi complemented each other. Most of all though I was impressed by the marked progress Koichi has made with the shakuhachi. That fella has talent! It was a wondeful performance all around but undoubtedly the most popular tune of the night was Chick Corea’s “Spain”. The audience loved this one so much that they demanded it again as a second encore at the end. Fortuitously a Spanish flamenco teacher was present at the front of the room and it is her you can hear joining in with hand claps and jaleo type shouts.

Here’s something lighter; an original number by Koichi entitled 海辺 or “Sea”.

From the top left clockwise: Yoshida Koichi (shakuhachi), Ikeda Ippei (piano), William Prunkl (cello) and Fujisawa Bayan (tabla).

Yugao: an amazing, unique and unforgettable collaboration!
Links to the musicians websites:

Yoshida Koichi
Ikeda Ippei
Fujisawa Bayan

These images (right) courtesy of Yoshida Koichi.

Picture courtesy of Yoshida Koichi http://www.myspace.com/tongpoo

Our old friend, shakuhachi player Yoshida Koichi, has written to tell me of an event he has lined up for the 4th of July! On this occasion Koichi is planning to hold a mixed event of zazen and musical appreciation with classical cellist William Prunkl accompanying Koichi’s shakuhachi. William Prunkl has practiced meditation in America under a Tibetan teacher, and  is now practising Japanese style zazen in Kyoto. I’m under the impression that his current teacher will be leading the zazen part of the event. Regardless, Koichi assures me that zen-beginners are most welcome! Read the rest of this entry »

Pianist Roger Walch, wrote to tell me about a performance he will have with shakuhachi player Taro Matsumoto on December 11th. Says Roger, “Jazzy tunes, Japanese traditionals and powerful originals performed by one of Kansai’s hottest units. Not to be missed!”

Here’s more blurb from Roger’s site:

In 2004 Shakuhachi player Taro Matsumoto and Jazz pianist Roger Walch started to perform together and instantly found an unexplored musical niche. The fascinating and unusual combination of Japanese bamboo flute and piano proved to be a huge success with both Japanese and Western audiences. The duo’s repertoire is a unique mix of Japanese traditionals, selected Jazz standards and powerful original compositions. Read the rest of this entry »

Image courtesy of Koichi Yoshida

Our old friend Koichi Yoshida will be performing his annual autumn shakuhachi recital at urBANGUILD on November 25th. Together with piano, bass, guitar, sitar, tabla, cello and percussion he will perform an eclectic set ranging from classical to jazz, and film tunes to traditional shakuhachi music.
Doors open at 19:00
Begins at 19:30

Advance tickets 2500 yen or 2300 yen on the door (includes one free drink). Check the urBANGUILD website for details. Here is a map. Telephone: 075-212-1125

Videos of Koichi’s previous performances are viewable here, here and here. Oh! Here too.

Our old friend Yoshida Koichi has written to tell me he has a show coming up next week in Gion. Along with Koichi’s shakuhachi (Japanese flute) there will be a pianist and bass player performing a set of jazz classics such as Take Five, Summertime and In a Sentimental Mood. There will also be a joint performance with a biwa (Japanese lute) player.  The performance is next Wednesday (July 22nd) from 20:00 ~ 22:00. The charge is 2000 yen plus another 1000 yen for a drink. The location is the bar “Funny Company” (Tel: ０７５－５６１－８６７１).

If you haven’t seen Koichi play then please take a wee look at these videos of previous collaborations: Shakuhachi & Jazz Piano, Shakuhachi & Sitar,  Shakuhchi & Sanshin, Japanese Folk & Shakuhachi.

Here is a most convenient map.

I know I said the next post would be about Omuraya, but I thought you might like to see this music video from Sunday night at Zac Baran. Local folk musician Udonya Mentei was accompanied by Yoshida Koichi on the shakuhachi to very powerful effect. A great night and so many good songs, I felt pained I only had enough memory on my camera for the one. I don’t know what this song is called, but the lyrics are by Miyazawa Kenji. I believe he wrote them about 6 months before he died.

Oh and a big hello and thanks to Xavier and Patrick who came on Sunday night! It’s nice to know the blog is appreciated!

Next post: Izakaya Omuraya (honest!).
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