Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I find myself making all sorts of stuff, and thought since there are artists/artisans and flute makers abound here on the forum, I thought Id post some of the other things that I make.  Its nice to stretch out with materials and figure out processes in other areas.

Knives are a good exercise in utilizing various materials


I also paint





And draw







I have moved more deeply into conceptual sculpture and more specifically conceptual performance, last semester I did 2 performances; One involved making a 26 foot kakejiku utilizing a chicken for a brush. And the other entailed me projecting my heart beat through a mobil electric stethoscope suit.  I also do ceramics, wood working, and just recently started bell making.

Last edited by Benjamin (2009-03-22 01:43:45)

geminishadow79 wrote:

Oh and I also work at WERU the local community radio station one day a week.  I"d like to turn that into a full time gig.  If anyone has made any shakuhachi recordings they would like to have broadcast send in a cd!  We stream live on the internet so our station is heard all around the world, which is pretty typical of radio stations these days,  and we have some great world music programs that really need some some shakuhachi added to the mix.    I can't promise that your music will get on the air, I have no control over that, but it can't get played if its not in the library

Submit a proposal for a shakuhachi music show and become a programmer at the station.

geminishadow79 wrote:

What a good idea!

Checkout http://www.samuraisongs.blogspot.com and http://www.radiofreenashville.org
It would be great to get more shakuhachi programs on the radio. I've been doing this since last July every Sunday morning. It's been a great learning experience and good time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. -kerry

I've recently been getting back into hand drumming.  I used to play a some djembe now and then but gave it up after having too many complaints from my housemates that it was too loud.

Recently I discovered a drum circle that meets weekly in the nearby park.  At a local drum store, off in the corner and looking kind of neglected I found a wee used cajon, kids size actually and with it I dusted off the drum rhythms I used to play.  The small drum, being a box drum as well, is pretty quiet and no complaints so far.  Now I am actually thinking of getting a regular size cajon to use at the drum circle. 

Cajon is such a clever drum.  Make like a box, it is so simple and appealing with a sound that is somewhat more subdued but still as satisfying as a djembe or ashiko.  I like that you can just sit on the drum to play and when not in use it doubles a side table in my living room!

Its quite a shift from playing the shakuhachi but a nice compliment in its very grounded feeling.

Anyone else out there doing handdrumming?  Anyone else tried playing the cajon?

airin wrote:

Anyone else out there doing handdrumming?  Anyone else tried playing the cajon?

I saw Tairaku perform on Cajon with an Irish folk/rock group a  few years back. He did the whole show on Cajon only!
Benjamin, nice work!

Still no time for hobbies. Only shakuhachi work or performance gigs until Jet goes to kindergarten. Boo hoo