Koto & Flute - Kimio Eto & Bud Shank

 

Tanima No Suisha

Koto & Flute

The Japanese Koto Music Of Kimio Eto

Featuring The Flute Of Bud Shank

World-Pacific Records STEREO-1424

A Product Of Liberty Records

1963

From the back cover: One of Japan's most renown musical artists, Kimio Eto, has set himself a one-man mission: that of familiarizing the people of the Western world with the koto, the ancient 13-string instrument of his native land.

Mr.  Eto, recognized as the master of his instrument, was attracted to the koto not only for its beautiful tonal qualities but by its remarkable versatility, for on it can be performed not only the folk music and Oriental melodies of the East, but the music of the Western world as well.

Born 35 years ago in Oita, Japan, Mr. Eto at first planned a career as a concert pianist until, at still an early age, he became fascinated with the koto and began his study of the instrument with the late Michio Miyagi, one of the great kotoists of the day.

When he was seventeen, Kimio Eto composed "Omoide" (World-Pacific WP-1278), the first of many works that he has written for the koto. Composing continues to be one of his chief occupations and he performs many of his own selections in concerts. His virtuosity is all the more remarkable when it is realized that he has been totally blind since the age of five.

Clifford, "Bud" Shank is well known in jazz circles for his mastery of the entire saxophone family of instruments together with the flute. His achievements in this field have won him innumerable awards for excellence. Shank's ability to perform this difficult material (totally alien to his musical background) successfully, to Mr. Eto's complete satisfaction and delight, attests to his unusual musical flexibility.

Apparently, Kimio Eta's faith in the koto and his own capacity to introduce the instrument into the West has been well founded. The demand for Mr. Eto's appearances in concert has increased sharply during the past several years, and his recorded efforts have been extremely well received. This album once again effectively showcases Kimio Eta's brilliance, is additional proof of the dedication that has shaped his career and so strongly influenced his life.

Haru No Umi by Michio Miyagi

Haru No Otozure by Michio Miyagi

Tanima No Suisha by Micho Miyago

Soyo Kaze by Kimio Eto

March by Kimio Eto

Chidori No Kyoku by Yoshizawa Kengyo

Yachiyo Josh by Sonohara Koto

Yorokobi by Kimio Eto