Shakuhachi Blues
That waver,
like the end of a long
dream flickering to wakefulness,
or an origami crane
unfolding between whiskey
poured and the tale of deceit
and a good woman done wrong.
Air flutters through this bamboo
tube, and it seems I control
nothing. Inhaling, I try again.
My latest enthusiasm. A simple instrument that will take a lifetime to learn…
brilliant, my brother. just brilliant.
Peace and Equality for All
👍✌✊
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Thank you, Afzal. Much appreciated.
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always a pleasure
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A worthy endeavor, Bob — art feeding art.
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It’s fun and challenging, and certainly is feeding the art!
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One day we’ll find in our input stream a recording of flute with Okaji words in print … or you’ll perfect overlaying flute and vocals … or you’ll simply let the flute speak for itself … Is there an interesting story on the particular flute coming into your hands?
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That day is far off! The story isn’t very interesting. I’ve loved the sound of the shakuhachi for years and years, and last month decided on a whim to learn how to play one, or at the very least produce some interesting tones, and to use the instrument in a sort of suizen (meditation) way. I’ve no experience with woodwinds, which makes this even more interesting. So I began investigating, and the first thing I discovered is that they can be expensive – thousands of dollars. And then I found a maker who sells unadorned basic models for $45. 🙂 The second thing I discovered is that many beginners can’t produce any sound out of them. But the maker of mine has a video explaining that producing sound from one is like blowing on bottles to make noise. So I, uh, emptied various beer bottles and began practicing while awaiting the shakuhachi’s arrival. I can now play something akin to a grade schooler’s version of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
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It will get better and better. This I say with some knowledge based on experience with native american wooden flutes. Persistence is the definitive factor.
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Oh, yes. New instruments teach humility. I’m nothing if not persistent!
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Do you still play Native American flute?
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Not often … I enjoy playing in private, but embarrassed if anyone’s listening. I cannot measure up to my partner’s expertise. I have witnessed his progress – he’s amazing – he was getting good when we met in 2002 – now VERY good. The distinct difference is his persistence/practice.
(Just took my wooden flutes down and played a bit – thank you for the nudge!)
I also have a bamboo flute made ala native american design – tiny – lives in my car glove box. I get it out and play when stuck in traffic jams. The sound soothes and the blowing helps too! Wonderful to play while walking a labyrinth!
I have never gotten so far as playing a tune – I just let my fingers wander and enjoy the various changes of tone (except those squeaks when fingers are not fully over holes).
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I’m become all too aware of those squeaks! My shakuhachi journey is becoming even more interesting because I’m learning the traditional, non-western, notation (symbols read up to down, right to left, no time signature), and recently discovered that notation can differ between separate schools. Eek! But I enjoy learning!
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One last comment – have you read Blowing Zen: Finding an Authentic Life, Revised updated edition Paperback – May 16, 2011 – by Ray Brooks? It’s memoir, not how-to. There’s another book of same title, different author that I know zilch about. Ray Brooks is a good read. About learning your kind of flute.
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I haven’t read it, but have the other book, the how-to. I’ll probably order a copy, as it sounds interesting.
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FABULOUS, I say!
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Thank you, Kunal.
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Gosh, you are so good! I love your line breaks.
These are my favorites:
“or an origami crane
unfolding between whiskey”
“a good woman done wrong.
Air flutters through this bamboo” … I like reading this as if the woman IS the air fluttering through the bamboo.
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Thanks, Shawna. I enjoy messing around with line breaks. They can make or break a poem. 🙂
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“it seems I control nothing…” welcome to the world of learning woodwinds! LOL!
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I have a little more control in poetry, but even there, too, mostly I just surrender myself. I must admit that I’m having a blast blowing through that damned piece of bamboo. It’s centering, relaxing.
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It is one of the most wonderfully idiosyncratic woodwinds ever. Nothing speaks to wind and ghosts like the shak!
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It helps me write! Truly a wondrous instrument.
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Is this like the Korean Danso flute?
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I think it’s a little larger, equivalent to the tungso. But same principle – four holes on top, and a thumb hole.
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“and it seems I control
nothing. Inhaling, I try again.”
Relevant to all learning. Process before product on this journey. I admire your musical endeavor. Since I have yet to learn how to play an instrument.
Your poetry is always a delight.
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Thanks, Ali. It really is relevant to the learning process – from nothing to something. It’s what I strive for. 🙂
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I wish you well with it.
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It’s already been rewarding, Derrick.
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Impossible to control the air…but we can guide it a bit…(K)
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So true, Kerfe. I’m working on becoming a better guide.
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I like that…becoming a better guide.
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To guide what?who?and where?
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A guide to air, to music, to words, to life. 🙂
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You are that !
Breath in love
Breath out love
As you know best
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It begins with the breath…
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