World Network Vol. 49, Japan: Tajima Tadashi

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The shakuhachi has been much abused in the later half of the 20th century, by non-Japanese artists seeking to capitalize on its sensitive sound and hip Eastern origin to make incoherent mood music for health food stores. The reality of the instrument is one of quiet strength. The traditional version of this bamboo flute is large, over a foot and a half long with a large outside circumference. It achieves its unique sound from the musician's ability to balance the force needed to fill such a tool with air and the control to make it not only melodious, but contemplative. Tajima Tadashi performs a series of solo songs, all from the meditative tradition, created not for performance or ritual, but as a tool for the musician to achieve a state of meditation and to challenge himself in his art. These pieces show an accomplished artist pushing himself to the limit, not with wild virtuoso flights but with considered and complex melodies that are as ephemeral as snow and as strong as wind. --Louis Gibson

Tracks:

Basis For Enlightenment
Distant Calls Of The Deer
Mode Of The Moon In The Earth
Wish For An Easy Delivery
Nesting Of Cranes
Beyond The Mountain
Floating Clouds
The Empty Sky

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The shakuhachi has been much abused in the later half of the 20th century, by non-Japanese artists seeking to capitalize on its sensitive sound and hip Eastern origin to make incoherent mood music for health food stores. The reality of the instrument is one of quiet strength. The traditional version of this bamboo flute is large, over a foot and a half long with a large outside circumference. It achieves its unique sound from the musician's ability to balance the force needed to fill such a tool with air and the control to make it not only melodious, but contemplative. Tajima Tadashi performs a series of solo songs, all from the meditative tradition, created not for performance or ritual, but as a tool for the musician to achieve a state of meditation and to challenge himself in his art. These pieces show an accomplished artist pushing himself to the limit, not with wild virtuoso flights but with considered and complex melodies that are as ephemeral as snow and as strong as wind. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant Shakuhachi Playing.......2000-09-30

Tadashi Tajima is a wonderful shakuhachi player, and this CD is a great example of his versions of several "honkyoku" pieces, the traditional music for shakuhachi. Mr. Tajima generally uses longer-length, lower-pitched shakuhachi, such as the 2.2', 2.55' and 2.7', and only uses the standard size 1.8' on 2 pieces. His tone is deep, full and rich throughout, and the dynamics of his playing are mesmerizing, from soft and gentle to strong and forceful. The sound quality is excellent and the production values are top-notch. Ten stars!

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