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July 31, 2008
Two Friends play Shakuhachi at Obon Odor Festival
Hi All, I used to play shakuhachi and do all kinds of wild theater and performance art with my good friend Brian Nishii. But these days with two kids and Brian being recently married, we rarely hang out.
We did however have a little time to catch up recently at an Obon Odori Festival in Bryant Park New York City. His band, Happyfunsmile played their brand of Okinawan pop to kick it off.
It was a whole lot of fun, senoirs and kids dancing all day as we played shakuhachi backstage.
Often times, we only play in front of our teachers or alone. It's good to play shakuhachi with a friend. We hadn't played in a while so we just improvised. I naturally close my eyes when playing. Maybe thsi has something to do with meditative playing. But when I opened my eyes, I saw a crowd around us and someone shooting this video. It was a funny moment.
Namaste, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at 03:39 PM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2008
Wings of Defeat Kamikaze Documentary
Hi All, I recorded some shakuhachi music for the sound track of a documentary called Wings of Defeat which about the Kamikaze Pilots of WWII. It just had it's New York City Premier Last night. It was great o see (and hear) the film finally. I originally saw it on a small studio monitor when I was laying down the tracks in New York City.
Purchase the DVD if you can at http://www.edgewoodpictures.com/wingsofdefeat/
This film is a truly powerful work of art. I am humbled to have contributed in a small way.
Namaste, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at 11:48 PM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2008
Windy Shakuhachi
Hello all, I am presently on the road to Mexico for a wedding. We stopped by California to visit family. My brother Peter plays shakuhachi with this wonderful and unique Taiko drumming group named Heiwa Taiko. The majority of the members are grandmothers! I had to pleasure of joining sitting in with them for a performance at the Pride Festival 2008 in San Francisco California.
It was a windy day so we had to keep changing our facing to maintain the embouchure.
I'll be out of the shop until July 7th. Please contact me then. Many thanks, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at 01:24 PM | Comments (0)