JAMES NYORAKU SCHLEFER began his musical career as a Western flautist, and studied with Samuel Baron and Patricia Spencer. specializing in twentieth century music, he earned a Master's degree in music history from Queens College. Mr. Schlefer has been playing the shakuhachi since 1978 and earned both the Jun Shi han and Shi Han licenses from Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin. He is an active performer, composer, and teacher of the shakuhachi as well as head of the Kyo-Shin-An dojo in New York City and author of the SHAKUHACHI WORKBOOK and THE PRACTICAL SHAKUHACHI.

S-S2c. FLARE UP
"Deep within there is a scary place, a brilliant place. When touched, the emotions flare up, if only for an instant. . . . Like a flame that can scorch or heal, it is both humbling and inspiring."
The latest recording by shakuhachi Grand Master James Nyoraku Schlefer. Traditional honkyoku include the Futaiken version of "Tsuru no Sugomori," (remarkable for its extensive use of Tamane) the Nezasaha version of "Koku" (with improvised Shirabe) the beautiful but obscure piece "Banji," and the classic "Jinbo Sanya." Kinea Seiho's emotional and technical tour-de-force "Ichijo" and two of Schlefer's original works ("Brooklyn Sanya", and the title cut "Flare Up") complete this excellent new CD.

S-S2b. SOLSTICE SPIRIT
Several honkyoku, a composition by Fukuda Rando, and two of Nyoraku's own works including an extended suite for an orchestra of 18 variously-sized shakuhachis.

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$16.50

$10.50