Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Mujitsu wrote:

Just a note to inform you that your trusty forum administrators are working diligently on this beautiful San Francisco Christmas Eve. Today's serious shakuhachi research efforts bring you the "Sea Weed Tube of Wonder."

Thank you very much, guys, for the wonderful gift.

To a happy new year.

bluespiderweb wrote:

I imagine this is the giant kelp?  Is this how it looks when it is dried out, or do you need to form this tube?  How's it taste?

Yes. This is giant kelp. From what I understand, seaweed is a non-scientific name for all large marine algae. Giant kelp is a type of brown algae. It grows faster than tropical bamboo. Under ideal conditions it can grow two feet a day. Some are about 100 feet long.

This is a fresh, unaltered piece. The bore is naturally tapered. If cut in the right place, it can sound pretty good. All you really need is a pocket knife. It's great for experimenting because flutes can be made quickly on the spot. It's sticky, gooey and tastes like salt water!

As it starts to dry it shrivels up to the point where you wouldn't want to touch it anymore. I'll post a photo in a few days. When it's completely dry, it becomes thin and brittle.

When dry, it can be sprinkled on foods as a condiment, or whole kelp adds a nice touch to salads or it can be used as a wrap for a variety of fillings.

In impermanence,

Ken

Speaking of great, unusual and impermanent recordings on the Web: You might want to hear Perry Yung's shakuhachi rendition of "O, Christmas Tree" ('O, Tanenbaum' if you are from Deutschland) on his latest eBay auction (item# 7377996780). Click on the audio link "HEAR this Shakuhachi."

Last edited by Chris Moran (2005-12-28 03:54:26)

philipgelb wrote:

The chef side of me is very intrigued by this. How does the flute taste when you play it?

does it disintegrate while you play it?

There is a woman in Seattle, Susie Kozawa, who makes many kelp instruments as well. Several years ago, her, Matthew Sperry and i were performing in Seattle together and her instruments were truly impermanent in that they would sometimes fall apart in performance.

phil

Hi Phil,

The taste is close to seaweed (sushi) wrap, only not as crisp. The tube plays best when still wet and fresh, so it holds together well while playing. In the sun it dries out in about a week.

I'll have to check out Susie Kozawa. Sounds interesting.

Frutti di mare

Mujitsu wrote:

Today's serious shakuhachi research efforts bring you the "Sea Weed Tube of Wonder."

Made from the finest stock the Pacific Ocean has to offer, this Tube of Wonder measures 96 cm. long and 6 cm. wide.

Before it washes back out to sea, please enjoy Hi Fu Mi Cho by your own Tairaku.

Beautiful recording Tairaku!