Pelican Buoy by Tradewinds Pacifica

The shakuhachi, that most “Eastern” of instruments, rooted in Zen Buddhism, made of bamboo, having a rich timbre of breath, meets the guitar, that giant of jazz and rock. 

In ancient times the shakuhachi was carried to Japan that was the last stop on the fabled “Silk Road” that stretched from the Middle East. Meanwhile, the guitar is based on flamenco and Renaissance traditions, and ultimately the Middle Eastern Oud. The shakuhachi and guitar both spring from the cradle of civilisation.

Now centuries later in the California Spanish mission town of Santa Barbara there is a surprising reunion of old friends in the hands of George Quirin and Bruce Huebner.  Hear on Pelican Buoy how the melisma and half steps of the phrygian “Spanish” mode is answered by the nuances of the traditional Japanese miyako mode of Buddhist chant,  Edo kabuki, and yukaku chamber music. 

Shakuhachi performer Bruce Huebner has 40 years of study, performance, composition and music production experience in Japan.

His music is a unique blend of traditional and modern, Western and Japanese, that is the product of his life between California and Japan.

shakuhachibruce.net
aeolianworld.com