The Aeolian Trio at Odd Fellows

The shakuhachi, a Japanese traditional bamboo flute that is rooted in Zen Buddhism, meets the guitar, a Spanish folk instrument that became a giant of jazz, rock and pop. In ancient times the shakuhachi was carried from the Middle East to Japan on the fabled Silk Road. Meanwhile, the guitar springs from flamenco and Renaissance traditions, and has antecedents in the Middle Eastern Oud. These seemingly disparate traditions separated by a two continents spring from the same cradle of civilization. Now, centuries later, in California, Tokyo, and New York, Japanese guitarist Kôfû Suwa and shakuhachi master Bruce Huebner join New York-based percussionist Todd Isler to reunite these ancient traditions and bring them into the Twenty First Century for you to enjoy right here on Orcas.

Bruce Huebner, Shakuhachi
California- born Bruce Huebner studied shakuhachi under the late Goro Yamaguchi (Living National Treasure) at the prestigious Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music. He is the first non-Japanese to receive a master’s degree in traditional Japanese music performance at the university. He earned his master’s license in 1997from Chikuyusha, one of the oldest shakuhachi guilds. In 1999 Huebner co-founded the Jazz/World Music group “Candela,” which has recorded and performed to wide acclaim in Japan, as well as at venues in the United States, Canada and Europe.  https://www.shakuhachibruce.net

Kôfû Suwa, Guitar
Self-taught from the age of 13, Kôfû Suwa began his professional guitar career in 1985 at the age of 17. Working his way up through the cabaret and studio scene in Tokyo he now leads his own band “Wind Groove,” and works as a studio musician and backup player, including nationally-famous Enka singer Yamauchi Keisuke. He is active as a producer, composer and clinician and heads the Yugen Guitar Instruction Studio. He currently resides in Tokyo, Japan.  https://office-koufuu.com

Todd Isler, Percussion
Performer, teacher and author Todd Isler is based in New York City, where he has been active in the jazz and world music scenes for over 20 years. He currently co-leads International Orange, who released their debut album in 2013. Todd, along with the band Savane, won the Disc Makers Unsigned Band Contest. He was also a winner of the JAZZIZ Magazine Percussion On Fire contest. Todd has toured Africa, studied and performed with renowned percussionists in India and Brazil, as well as with a wide range of artists and dance companies throughout the United States.  http://toddisler.com