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This is a collection of tunes that were inspired by the music of Asia. I studied Gagaku for a number of years which is the oldest orchestral form in the world. I originated maybe in India or Vietnam. I also fill my listening bucket full of Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Okinawan, and Indian classical musics. In addition, I became enamored with Japanese drumming and collaborated with the Grand Master Seichi Tanaka as well as Russell Baba, and Jeannie Mercer in a band called Kamikaze which we translated to mean “Spirit of the Wind”. The name “Kamikaze” was also used as a symbol of the protest against Vietnam war by translating the Japanese Character “神風” in a different meaning. Tanaka Sensei (Teacher in Japanese) brought Taiko to the US, and Taiko has since spread to become a world phenomenon. Kenny Endo later joined Kamikaze, and is featured on this album. Kenny was the first American of Japanese descent to become a master of Taiko. Kenny also studied the Tsutsumi and played in the Kabuki Theatre in Tokyo.
1. Meditation
Meditation
2. New Mountain
New Mountain
3. Antiquity
Antiquity
4. Song for June
Song for June
5. Sunlight
Sunlight
6. Zen Garden
Zen Garden
1. Meditation Meditation features Grand Master Kenny Endo on Tsutsumi (a drum used in Kabuki and Noh) and the brilliant Masaru Koga on Fue (Japanese bamboo flute) and Suprano Sax
.2. New Mountain New Mountain was inspired by thinking about my next creative journey. I was excited by the image of climbing another mountain of life. Sitting in a temple contemplating the mountain in the distance. Again we featured Masaru Koga on Fue (Japanese bamboo flute) and Shakuhachi and Kenny Endo on Taiko and percussion.
3. Antiquity Intro is a temple bell to conjure up the spirits of the past, and segues into the contemporary with a bass and guitar line. We featured Masaru Koga on Tenor Sax.
4. Song for June This song is dedicated to our long time friend who is the spirit of the group Hiroshima. Hiroshima was the pioneer of fusing Asian instruments with a contemporary twist. I was inspired by their music and composed Asian influenced tunes. You can hear some of the experimentation we were creating in the 70s here: https://www.makotosbeat.com/archive-of-music/kamikaze-berkeley-jazz-festival/ The song features Grand Master Kenny Endo on taiko and Philip Woo on piano.
5. Sunlight The inspiration came for this song when I watched a ray of sunlight creep into the room and brighten up the vibe. It features Jeremy Leiber on synth in the intro and Masaru Koga on Suprano.
6. Zen Garden Imagine sitting is a Zen garden when you listen to this.
Features Musicians:
Kenny Endo – Tsutsumi, Percussion
Masaru Koga – Suprano Sax and Tenor Sax, Flute, Bamboo Flute
Philip Woo – Keys Makoto Horiuchi – Composition and arranging; Guitar; Virtual instruments: Drums, Bass, Keys
Michael Ortega – All Things DigitalKhristina Gonzales – Graphic Design, Web Design, Social Media Wizard I would like to thank all the musicians, engineers, consultants whose shoulders I leaned on and who contributed immeasurably to this labor of love.
Cover © Khristina Gonzales © Kultone Records All Rights Reserved
