New directions in music???

The shakuhachi was originally used for playing Buddhist pieces and for meditation by priests and monks. Over the years many old and revered pieces have been passed down with new ones appearing now and then by major players on the music scene. Since the 1960's though,only a few performers and composers have been willing to experiment with this most delightful of instruments, most notably Takemitsu, Brian Ritchie and a few others who crossed into jazz and world music.

     My own teacher, Larry Tyrrell, also recorded some Celtic pieces on his flutes, making me squeal with pleasure as I love this type of music! My ancestral roots come from the British Isles , notably Scotland, Wales and England proper. The shakuhachi could work wonders with the music of my ancestors homes!!! Give this CD a listen if you can and try out the shakuhachi for European music!

The Alder Bough by Larry Tyrrell

So...after listening to and trying to learn Japanese shakuhachi music for quite awhile, I have decided to investigate whether I can play some Celtic tunes and perhaps some Scottish/Welsh flute music.
I know full well the scales and tones are slightly different and will have to adjust but what fun this might be! Hopefully soon enough I will know as now my research will take me to new places that the shakuhachi is not usually associated: European music. Could be even more interesting!!!!
Imagine this: a kilt wearing American of Scottish and Welsh heritage playing a shakuhachi on a downtown Portland street corner!!! It could happen!!!!!  Now off for some research!