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Thread: ARTS: The Treeleaf Music Hall is now open

  1. #1

    Talking ARTS: The Treeleaf Music Hall is now open

    Hello everyone!

    Your friendly neighborhood music man, Bion here. Some of you might already know me from around the zendo and some might not (shame on me for not reaching out to more of you, but I will do better from now on). When Jundo wrote and asked me if I would be your host here in the MUSIC HALL of the TREELEAF ARTS & MUSIC CIRCLE, I said yes without giving it a second thought. I did not however do that because I think of myself as a musician. As a matter of fact, I know some of you are ACTUAL musicians, who´ve put their sweat and tears in mastering their instruments/voices. I am but a simple songwriter and music producer. That means basically that I rely on talented and skillful people to help bring my vision to life, whether it´s musicians playing instruments or singers performing what I write. So you see, even in my day to day work, I still host other people and their talents.

    I´ve been involved in music for most of my life, really. First time I ever recorded in a studio was when I was just turning 14 and by that time I had been singing on stages for years. Then I became a teenager and, well... we have to skip a few years to get to the moment, as an adult when I decided to actually make music my career. So here we are, over a decade later, having written a couple hundred songs and in my own recording studio.

    But enough of that.. let´s get to this funny business of the TREELEAF MUSIC HALL (I have just come up with that and I feel it´s catchy, just go along with it 😄 ).
    This is my open invitation to all of you dear sangha members who are interested in, or actually creating, or maybe just very good at finding amazing music, to help this humble person give life to this little project. If you´re in the music business or maybe you create music, or play an instrument, or sing, or feel like you have an unexplored talent just waiting to be brought to light, come say hi and let me know what interests you. I´d love to know what this side of the ARTS & MUSIC CIRCLE could become, but it belongs to all of you, so again, I find myself humbly asking for help. I hope you answer my call!

    Ok, let´s plug everything in its place, tune what needs tuning, and crank it up!

    WELCOME TO THE TREELEAF MUSIC HALL

    komus?-monk-zen-shakuhachi-buddhism.jpg


    🙏🏼 SatToday lah
    Last edited by Jundo; 01-24-2021 at 02:27 AM.
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  2. #2
    I've been playing music for, well, about 45 years. I got my first guitar when I was 16, and have played several instruments over the years. Guitar, viola da gamba, keyboards (ie digital piano), and now shakuhachi. This last one has to be the most difficult instrument I've ever played, but it is without doubt the most satisfying. I had always loved the sound of the shakuhachi, since I had first heard it, probably on some early "world music" album in the 1980s, and about three years ago, I decided it would be interesting to try.

    It's a humbling experience, and I kind of suck, but I really do enjoy the process of learning.

    Here's a video of Kodama Hiroyuki, who made one of my shakuhachis, and who, together with my teacher, Kiku Day, is a student of Okuda Atsuya, who leads the small Zensabo school of shakuhachi. While my instruments are much shorter, I love the sound of these very long instruments, and I aspire to this style of playing.



    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    流文

    I know nothing.

  3. #3
    Such a nice coincidence that just last week Kotei talked to me about his Shakuhachi playing and recommended some pieces. it turns out I already had quite a few in my music library that I´d listened to, I just didn´t know what it was. Not having a tuned instrument, or a tempo or a rhythm must be a tremendously difficult challenge when it comes to learning and performing the pieces, right? What do you find is the most difficult thing for you when it comes to playing it?
    Last edited by Bion; 01-19-2021 at 11:35 PM.
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  4. #4
    Hello,

    I can offer electric guitar enthusiasm Here is a recording from a few days ago. I would enjoy collaborating on something. Heavy Mettal?!



    Gassho,
    Gareth

    Sat today, Lah

  5. #5
    Hmmm ... Kirk, maybe we need our own Shakuhachi area? What do you think?

    Gassho, Jundo

    STLah
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Jundo View Post
    Hmmm ... Kirk, maybe we need our own Shakuhachi area? What do you think?

    Gassho, Jundo

    STLah
    I'm sure Kotei and I could discuss the instrument, and perhaps let others learn about it...

    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    流文

    I know nothing.

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Bion View Post
    Such a nice coincidence that just last week Kotei talked to me about his Shakuhachi playing and recommended some pieces. it turns out I already had quite a few in my music library that I´d listened to, I just didn´t know what it was. Not having a tuned instrument, or a tempo or a rhythm must be a tremendously difficult challenge when it comes to learning and performing the pieces, right? What do you find is the most difficult thing for you when it comes to playing it?
    The most difficult thing is mastering the sound. You blow across the wedge-shaped bit at the top of the flute, and getting a clean sound takes some time. There there are ways of playing sharp and flat, somewhat microtonal sounds, which need to be mastered, because when you play flat your breath has to be different. Even as you play the different notes up and down the instrument, your breath has to be slightly different: for the deeper notes, you need a "warm" breath, and for the higher notes a "cooler" breath.

    It's not that the instrument is not tuned. There are two types of shakuhachi, one is jiari, which is bamboo with something in the bore, usually a sort of paste to make it smooth, but also to tune it. Jiari shakuhachis can be used in conjunction with other instruments, so they must be in tune with a standard (the most common shakuhachi, a 1.8 length, is tuned so the lowest note is a D). Jinashi shakuhachi, which I play, are not tuned to play with other instruments, but are tuned to themselves. The maker has to work the bore to ensure that each note is in tune, though the instrument's fundamental note may not be perfect to play with other instruments. My main flute is a 2.0, so that is technically one tone lower than the standard 1.8, and it should be a C, but it's a bit flat.

    Some schools do play with a semi-fixed tempo, but mainly, the type of music I'm playing - honkyoku, which is the oldest solo repertoire - is built around the breath. Each phrase is designed to be played in one breath, and that's the rhythm of the piece. So if you can have long breaths, you could play a piece longer. There's something interesting about this way of playing, that each phrase is (sort of) self contained. So the rhythm as you play is that of breathing, rather than some continuous flow of music.

    There are of course exceptions: there are some people who practice circular breathing, but that is not the traditional way of playing.

    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    流文

    I know nothing.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Ryumon View Post
    The most difficult thing is mastering the sound. You blow across the wedge-shaped bit at the top of the flute, and getting a clean sound takes some time. There there are ways of playing sharp and flat, somewhat microtonal sounds, which need to be mastered, because when you play flat your breath has to be different. Even as you play the different notes up and down the instrument, your breath has to be slightly different: for the deeper notes, you need a "warm" breath, and for the higher notes a "cooler" breath.

    It's not that the instrument is not tuned. There are two types of shakuhachi, one is jiari, which is bamboo with something in the bore, usually a sort of paste to make it smooth, but also to tune it. Jiari shakuhachis can be used in conjunction with other instruments, so they must be in tune with a standard (the most common shakuhachi, a 1.8 length, is tuned so the lowest note is a D). Jinashi shakuhachi, which I play, are not tuned to play with other instruments, but are tuned to themselves. The maker has to work the bore to ensure that each note is in tune, though the instrument's fundamental note may not be perfect to play with other instruments. My main flute is a 2.0, so that is technically one tone lower than the standard 1.8, and it should be a C, but it's a bit flat.

    Some schools do play with a semi-fixed tempo, but mainly, the type of music I'm playing - honkyoku, which is the oldest solo repertoire - is built around the breath. Each phrase is designed to be played in one breath, and that's the rhythm of the piece. So if you can have long breaths, you could play a piece longer. There's something interesting about this way of playing, that each phrase is (sort of) self contained. So the rhythm as you play is that of breathing, rather than some continuous flow of music.

    There are of course exceptions: there are some people who practice circular breathing, but that is not the traditional way of playing.

    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    That is fascinating. Sounds like something I could try and probably very much enjoy!! I am glad I discovered this beautiful art! For a “music” guy, I am genuinely too ignorant!!!
    Thanks for the great introduction to the shakuhachi!!

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by bad_buddha_007 View Post
    Hello,

    I can offer electric guitar enthusiasm Here is a recording from a few days ago. I would enjoy collaborating on something. Heavy Mettal?!



    Gassho,
    Gareth

    Sat today, Lah
    Well, that is just awesome! Nice band you got there!!! I don’t know much about Heavy Metal but ai can definitely learn.. All I ask for is that we avoid invoking any creepy poltergeists or what not! I don’t do well with demons

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  10. #10
    thank you! In terms of guitar type music I like it all and am happy to have a go, though I have been trying to learn blues and neoclassical shred guitar lately (long way to go, just doing some exercises each day for 10-20 minutes or so).

    This has been posted elsewhere I think, or maybe his Metallica cover:



    Gassho,
    Gareth

    Sat today

  11. #11
    I'm not musically adept, but always fascinated by music. I did my PhD in the acoustics of percussion, looking specifically at how modern drumkits are tuned. I'd love to get back into learning to play again one day, but drumming in a shared house is frowned upon (especially over the last 12 months with lockdowns). Instead at the moment I'm playing with Sonic Pi / live-coding of music as a way to scratch that itch and also to teach my nieces a bit about programming, and I'm also thinking about trying to build a musical instrument using a small jet-engine.


    (for those interested in programming music)

    Gassho,
    Phill /Sōka
    sat

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Phill View Post
    I'm not musically adept, but always fascinated by music. I did my PhD in the acoustics of percussion, looking specifically at how modern drumkits are tuned. I'd love to get back into learning to play again one day, but drumming in a shared house is frowned upon (especially over the last 12 months with lockdowns). Instead at the moment I'm playing with Sonic Pi / live-coding of music as a way to scratch that itch and also to teach my nieces a bit about programming, and I'm also thinking about trying to build a musical instrument using a small jet-engine.


    (for those interested in programming music)

    Gassho,
    Phill /Sōka
    sat
    Ooooh that sounds quite impressive!!! A musical instrument using a small jet-engine .. That made me go: “huh?!!”. How would that go? What made you think “this might be a good idea”?

    SatToday lah
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Bion View Post
    Ooooh that sounds quite impressive!!! A musical instrument using a small jet-engine .. That made me go: “huh?!!”. How would that go? What made you think “this might be a good idea”?
    SatToday lah
    A friend of mine has always wanted to build a jet engine, and so we were wondering what we could do with one once we had it. Lots of people have attached them to bikes and go-karts, so we're thinking of something a bit different. If you look at pulse jet engines, they're essentially a tube with air going through them - like a woodwind instrument. I'm not sure how feasible what we are planning is at the moment, but will be fun finding out .

    I've just been reading up on the shakuhachi. The first article I read was interesting, "Sacred Abjection in Zen Shakuhachi" https://ethnomusicologyreview.ucla.e...e/17/piece/585 . I can't comment on the validity of anything there, unfortunately the two spectrograms of a "non-musical" and a musical" oriented player use two different pieces of music: Hifumi no Shirabe and Gekko Roteki, so I have no idea whether one is meant to be a more harmonic piece than the other anyway.

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Soka View Post

    I've just been reading up on the shakuhachi. The first article I read was interesting, "Sacred Abjection in Zen Shakuhachi" https://ethnomusicologyreview.ucla.e...e/17/piece/585 . I can't comment on the validity of anything there, unfortunately the two spectrograms of a "non-musical" and a musical" oriented player use two different pieces of music: Hifumi no Shirabe and Gekko Roteki, so I have no idea whether one is meant to be a more harmonic piece than the other anyway.
    Um, okay...

    First, beauty, within the confines of Japanese esthetics, is clearly essential in the playing of the shakuhachi. The instrument is all about tone colors, timbre, and contrasts between strong, powerful notes and soft, breathy notes. The author of the article is clearly a learned man, and I will certainly not contest what he says, but it's important to note that not much is known about how the komuso actually played the instrument, nor about how the instrument was made (in its finer details).

    Comparing spectrographs of two pieces played on the shakuhachi without saying which type of instruments they were - jinashi or jiari - and not even mentioning the differences, is an academic sin, IMO. As I mentioned in my post above, jinashi are rougher instruments, and jiari are much smoother. It would be normal for a jiari to have a totally different spectrograph from a jinashi.

    Anyway, I've asked my teacher, who is an ethnomusicologist, for her opinion on the article.

    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    流文

    I know nothing.

  15. #15
    Great initiative! Music has also been a big part of my life since I was a child. I played the acoustic guitar and sang for many years, although I haven't been keeping up with that lately. But my parents are professional violinists and play in the Symphonic orquesta of the Balearic Islands (In Mallorca, where they live). Here is a short sketch of what it looks like when they play:



    Gassho, Tomás
    Sat&LaH

  16. #16
    Hello, apologies for going over three sentences.
    Another shakuhachi enthusiast here. I’ve been playing off and on for years and In between other musical interests. I’ve settled on shakuhachi though and decided to stick with it for the long haul. I take lessons from Michael Gould via Skype. It’s a beautiful and confounding instrument. Some days it is the most amazing sound. The next day nothing works and you stare down the bore wondering what happened.

    Sorry for going over three sentences.

    Gassho,
    James
    Sat today

  17. #17
    A while ago I took a course through Corsera on using Ableton. I recorded three things and that was it. I probably should try again.

    This was my first attempt.

    https://soundcloud.com/amdue/intheam

    Next I wanted to kind of create a 60s vibe. I should go back and edit this. It is a bit too long but it was fun to do. I played the guitar parts that are looped

    https://soundcloud.com/amdue/moose-and-squirrel

    For my last assignment I wanted to try to create something that was sort of cinematic.

    https://soundcloud.com/amdue/the-morlocks-and-the-eloi

    The morlock vocalizations were recorded, digitized and converted so each word could be triggered. So those vocals are more played than performed. I played the native American flute in the second half.

    Mostly I play the guitar. I started in punk and have kind of evolved over the years. I play at least a little every day. Mostly I play telecasters but I have working on my acoustic skills during covid - mostly trying learn Travis picking.

    Thanks for letting me share

    Gassho, Shinshi

    SaT-LaH
    空道 心志 Kudo Shinshi
    I am just a priest-in-training, any resemblance between what I post and actual teachings is purely coincidental.
    E84I - JAJ

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by James J. View Post
    Hello, apologies for going over three sentences.
    Another shakuhachi enthusiast here. I’ve been playing off and on for years and In between other musical interests. I’ve settled on shakuhachi though and decided to stick with it for the long haul. I take lessons from Michael Gould via Skype. It’s a beautiful and confounding instrument. Some days it is the most amazing sound. The next day nothing works and you stare down the bore wondering what happened.
    Indeed, that's one of the frustrating things. You'll get past that, but it's a big hurdle to overcome with this instrument.

    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    流文

    I know nothing.

  19. #19
    So as I said above, I asked fellow shakuhachi players about the article that Soka linked to. The consensus is that it's bogus. Here are some of the comments I received.

    The spectrograph part does not give enough information for the claim he makes. The spectrograph only shows one instance, one note. So you’d have to compare the same pitch on the same instrument to make any kind of claim about differences between the two with a spectrograph.
    My reading of the spectrographs is that the biggest difference between the performances is in the quality of the recordings. The broadband noise recording artefacts present throughout the Watazumi excerpt make it difficult to analyse the relative amount of noise elements between the performances. Are there any studies which analyse the spectrographic differences between jiari and jinashi shakuhachi?
    He's making a basic mistake of defining musicality in archaic Western terms, as if it is a standard.
    He quotes Hisamatsu Fuyo, who was a Kinko player, then using modern Kinko playing as an example of so-called musicality. This is contradictory and only demonstrates that current Kinko playing and theory has evolved.
    The article is too long and complex to tackle here, but Hisamatsu Fuyo's statement is, perhaps, a joke. In Zen, nothing could be more despicable than to say that something is despicable. To judge in this way is just another form of attachment. Suffering begins when I reject the tone I actually produce in favor of some imaginary "better" tone that I will (perhaps) produce sometime in the future. Suffering also begins when I am attached to always making a "splendid" tone (whatever that means) instead of simply listening and being present with the sound of the flute and the breath together. This is the difference between music as performance and music as a contemplative practice.
    I remember coming across that (and the rebuttal) years ago and reading it rolling my eyes about it quite a bit. It's a shame because this topic is very rich and deeply nuanced, but in my version of the universe, it is practitioners who hold the wisdom on this, and not self-righteous speculative smarty-pantses. You know honey by tasting it, not reading all the history of it.

    Drawing these kinds of boundaries is very narrow-minded from my view, and both/and is more often the answer than academics are comfortable with because their need to validate their steaming piles of opinions -- or at least seem intelligent somehow, often with inscrutable jargon -- is often stronger than their so-called objectivity -- in addition to having never tasted honey, which is really the top error.
    Gassho,

    Kirk

    sat
    流文

    I know nothing.

  20. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by Shinshi View Post
    A while ago I took a course through Corsera on using Ableton. I recorded three things and that was it. I probably should try again.

    This was my first attempt.

    https://soundcloud.com/amdue/intheam

    Next I wanted to kind of create a 60s vibe. I should go back and edit this. It is a bit too long but it was fun to do. I played the guitar parts that are looped

    https://soundcloud.com/amdue/moose-and-squirrel

    For my last assignment I wanted to try to create something that was sort of cinematic.

    https://soundcloud.com/amdue/the-morlocks-and-the-eloi

    The morlock vocalizations were recorded, digitized and converted so each word could be triggered. So those vocals are more played than performed. I played the native American flute in the second half.

    Mostly I play the guitar. I started in punk and have kind of evolved over the years. I play at least a little every day. Mostly I play telecasters but I have working on my acoustic skills during covid - mostly trying learn Travis picking.

    Thanks for letting me share

    Gassho, Shinshi

    SaT-LaH
    That Moose and Squirrel one got me hooked as soon as the guitar came in and I could definitely sample that for a pop banger! You should DEFINITELY do more!
    A round of applause for rockstar Shinshi!!

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  21. #21
    Quote Originally Posted by Ryumon View Post
    So as I said above, I asked fellow shakuhachi players about the article that Soka linked to. The consensus is that it's bogus. Here are some of the comments I received.
    Gassho,
    Kirk
    Thank you for sharing those comments Kirk. I'd had issues with the spectrographs, but I don't know enough about the instrument (or ethnomusicology in general) to know whether the whole thing was off. It's a fascinating instrument, if I was still in academia I'd be searching for someone to make me half a dozen jinashi and jiari to do some acoustic analysis and listening tests with. (To answer your fellow shakuhachi player's question: as far my limited seach has gone, sadly I've not found any research on the acoustic differences between jiari and jinashi shakuhachi.)

    Gassho,
    Phill /Sōka
    (sat)

  22. #22
    Just want to say that I've long found the Shakuhachi to be an amazing instrument. I tried playing many years ago, and still have a fairly inexpensive one (not root end, with a natural bore). I got to the point where I could get a fairly consistent tone out if it, but I've fallen out of practice over the years. I'd love to pick it up again at some point, so I will be following any related threads here with great interest.

    In the meantime though, I have just entered my second full year of formal piano lessons, so I should probably stick to that for the time being.

    Gassho,
    Seikan

    -stlah-


    Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk
    聖簡 Seikan (Sacred Simplicity)

  23. #23
    Quote Originally Posted by Seikan View Post
    Just want to say that I've long found the Shakuhachi to be an amazing instrument. I tried playing many years ago, and still have a fairly inexpensive one (not root end, with a natural bore). I got to the point where I could get a fairly consistent tone out if it, but I've fallen out of practice over the years. I'd love to pick it up again at some point, so I will be following any related threads here with great interest.

    In the meantime though, I have just entered my second full year of formal piano lessons, so I should probably stick to that for the time being.

    Gassho,
    Seikan

    -stlah-


    Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk
    We do expect a recording of you playing the piano (preferably USING THE PEDAL .. unless you’re trying to kill me).

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by Bion View Post
    We do expect a recording of you playing the piano (preferably USING THE PEDAL .. unless you’re trying to kill me).

    SatToday
    Pedal? What pedal?

    I use the damper pedal whenever it is called for. No more, no less. I will put you in touch with my piano teacher should you wish to register a formal complaint.

    Gassho,
    Rob

    -stlah-


    Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk
    聖簡 Seikan (Sacred Simplicity)

  25. #25
    Music is a huge part of my life. I’ve been involved since my mid teens playing in local bands and playing for myself. Always original music (I never had much interest in playing covers). I am primarily a guitarist although I have dabbled with other instruments.

    I don’t really like trying to describe my music because inevitably categorizations are limiting but the music is primarily instrumental and ambient. I am mostly self taught. I am a member of SOCAN with somewhere around 120 registered works.

    Here is video of a live performance a few years ago with my friend Mark. I am standing just off camera to the left (you’ll catch a few glimpses of me). We are playing to a huge audience of about 25 people.



    We haven’t been able to do much since COVID so back in the Spring I decided to do some solo recordings of my own material and post it. It is just my guitar, a looper and a microphone stuck in front of an amp. Here’s a sample of that

    https://awarrenpratten.bandcamp.com/track/for-g.

    Yes Bandcamp is a commercial site but I make my music freely available for personal use and enjoyment.

    Anyways like I said music is a huge part of my life. I don’t specifically try to make “Zen music” but I see my music and spirituality being tightly intertwined. Looking forward to seeing where the Treeleaf Music Hall goes (great name by the way )


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah

    (My apologies for all the sentences. It is impossible to limit myself to 3 sentences here)
    泰林 - Tai Rin - Peaceful Woods

  26. #26
    I really do miss playing with a band. I have played flute for twenty-something years and now I usually just play along with recordings of classical.

    Gassho
    Sat, lah
    求道芸化 Kyūdō Geika
    I am just a priest-in-training, please do not take anything I say as a teaching.

  27. #27
    i really like this guy's music. He's one of us, a Zen Buddhist monk who was a music maker before taking up the robe. He uses his gift to help make Buddhism more appealing to the youth of Japan and worldwide. This is him making a "remix" of the Heart Sutra. Apologies if this is in the wrong place.

    Gassho, John
    ST/LAH

  28. #28
    Quote Originally Posted by GrasshopperMan17 View Post
    i really like this guy's music. He's one of us, a Zen Buddhist monk who was a music maker before taking up the robe. He uses his gift to help make Buddhism more appealing to the youth of Japan and worldwide. This is him making a "remix" of the Heart Sutra. Apologies if this is in the wrong place.

    Gassho, John
    ST/LAH
    Definitely the right place!

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by Geika View Post
    I really do miss playing with a band. I have played flute for twenty-something years and now I usually just play along with recordings of classical.

    Gassho
    Sat, lah
    Ahhh lovely to read you’re a musician!! I love the sound of the flute!

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  30. #30
    Quote Originally Posted by Tairin View Post
    Music is a huge part of my life. I’ve been involved since my mid teens playing in local bands and playing for myself. Always original music (I never had much interest in playing covers). I am primarily a guitarist although I have dabbled with other instruments.

    I don’t really like trying to describe my music because inevitably categorizations are limiting but the music is primarily instrumental and ambient. I am mostly self taught. I am a member of SOCAN with somewhere around 120 registered works.

    Here is video of a live performance a few years ago with my friend Mark. I am standing just off camera to the left (you’ll catch a few glimpses of me). We are playing to a huge audience of about 25 people.



    We haven’t been able to do much since COVID so back in the Spring I decided to do some solo recordings of my own material and post it. It is just my guitar, a looper and a microphone stuck in front of an amp. Here’s a sample of that

    https://awarrenpratten.bandcamp.com/track/for-g.

    Yes Bandcamp is a commercial site but I make my music freely available for personal use and enjoyment.

    Anyways like I said music is a huge part of my life. I don’t specifically try to make “Zen music” but I see my music and spirituality being tightly intertwined. Looking forward to seeing where the Treeleaf Music Hall goes (great name by the way )


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah

    (My apologies for all the sentences. It is impossible to limit myself to 3 sentences here)
    For G is a BEAUTIFUL piece. I have a weakness for electric guitar!!!! Absolutely love this!!


    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by Bion View Post
    For G is a BEAUTIFUL piece. I have a weakness for electric guitar!!!! Absolutely love this!!


    SatToday
    Thank you. It is named for my wife. She’s thrilled that you liked it.


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah
    泰林 - Tai Rin - Peaceful Woods

  32. #32
    Quote Originally Posted by Tairin View Post
    Thank you. It is named for my wife. She’s thrilled that you liked it.


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah
    I didn’t like it .. I LOVED IT .. I could already hear melody.. vocals on top of it!!! It’s awesome!

    SatToday


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  33. #33
    Quote Originally Posted by Bion View Post
    I didn’t like it .. I LOVED IT .. I could already hear melody.. vocals on top of it!!! It’s awesome!

    SatToday


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    You’re making my day. Thank you

    You’re a song writer. If you can come up with some lyrics to go with it I’d love to hear them.


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah
    泰林 - Tai Rin - Peaceful Woods

  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by GrasshopperMan17 View Post
    i really like this guy's music. He's one of us, a Zen Buddhist monk who was a music maker before taking up the robe. He uses his gift to help make Buddhism more appealing to the youth of Japan and worldwide. This is him making a "remix" of the Heart Sutra. Apologies if this is in the wrong place.

    Gassho, John
    ST/LAH
    Oh my god that was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing, John.

    Gassho,
    Eikyō/Dee

    Sat today/Lah

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

  35. #35
    Hi all,

    Thanks Bion and Kokuu for encouraging me to join the Treeleaf Music Hall.

    I'm a musician, and I play violin, guitar and some assorted Mexican instruments. I am also learning harp - slowly! Oh and I sing.

    I used to play piano, flute and saxophone but it has been years so cannot claim any proficiency in them.

    I also write songs and used to spend a lot of time performing, pre-Covid. Life has changed significantly because of that.

    I am not sure what I can contribute in the short term, as I am super pregnant and energy/physical stuff is all over the place at the mo! But I definitely want to be kept in the loop with what is happening and hopefully be a part of it in some way.

    I also love the idea of learning about new types of music from you all so sharing songs that we like would be cool - I think Bion suggested it previously but perhaps we could make a Treeleaf playlist? Would be diverse and interesting I am sure!!

    Happy to chat music with anyone who is interested

    Gassho,

    Eikyō
    Sat today

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

  36. #36
    Quote Originally Posted by Eikyo View Post
    Hi all,

    Thanks Bion and Kokuu for encouraging me to join the Treeleaf Music Hall.

    I'm a musician, and I play violin, guitar and some assorted Mexican instruments. I am also learning harp - slowly! Oh and I sing.

    I used to play piano, flute and saxophone but it has been years so cannot claim any proficiency in them.

    I also write songs and used to spend a lot of time performing, pre-Covid. Life has changed significantly because of that.

    I am not sure what I can contribute in the short term, as I am super pregnant and energy/physical stuff is all over the place at the mo! But I definitely want to be kept in the loop with what is happening and hopefully be a part of it in some way.

    I also love the idea of learning about new types of music from you all so sharing songs that we like would be cool - I think Bion suggested it previously but perhaps we could make a Treeleaf playlist? Would be diverse and interesting I am sure!!

    Happy to chat music with anyone who is interested

    Gassho,

    Eikyō
    Sat today

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
    Definitely making some playlists .. I’ll come up with something soon, and THANKS for dropping by. It is AWESOME to have you here!

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  37. #37
    By the way this is my favourite song EVER and I've already decided I want it played at my funeral because it is impossible to feel sad while listening to it:



    Everything about this is awesome but I especially love the instrumental section in the middle where each instrument has their turn to shine: the vihuela, guitarrón, trumpets and violins. Makes me want to dance every time!!!

    This is the style of music I grew up around and that my dad still plays. When I was little the mariachi band used to practice at our house and I was fascinated by the violins, so I begged and begged for one, and that is how I started learning.

    Anyways I hope you enjoy the song!!

    Gassho,
    Eikyō
    Sat

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

  38. #38
    I am glad you guys like the Heart Sutra Remix. He also has other videos as well as podcasts about the Buddhist diet (among other things) if you are interested. I'm a big fan of Yogetsu

    Gassho, John
    ST/LAH
    Last edited by GrasshopperMan17; 01-25-2021 at 04:28 AM.

  39. #39
    Not by me obviously but too cool not to share.
    Giant handmade xylophone plays Bach in the depths of a serene Japanese forest.
    https://www.classicfm.com/composers/...est-xylophone/
    Gassho
    Sat

  40. #40
    Quote Originally Posted by Inshin View Post
    Not by me obviously but too cool not to share.
    Giant handmade xylophone plays Bach in the depths of a serene Japanese forest.
    https://www.classicfm.com/composers/...est-xylophone/
    Gassho
    Sat
    Ok, that was kind of awesome

    Thanks!!

    SatToday lah
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  41. #41
    Quote Originally Posted by Inshin View Post
    Not by me obviously but too cool not to share.
    Giant handmade xylophone plays Bach in the depths of a serene Japanese forest.
    https://www.classicfm.com/composers/...est-xylophone/
    Gassho
    Sat
    The music is timeless, the forest is ageless, yet that phone model in the commercial is long gone ...

    Gassho, J

    STLah
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  42. #42
    Member Seishin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    La Croix-Avranchin, Basse Normandie, France
    Well folks I guess as I was the one to offer some advice and point Jundo in the direction of his online Beginners Guitar course and all points beyond, reckon I should confess to my sins.

    I have owned a guitar since my 40th birthday and then due to work commitments and a very heavy martial arts schedule including my own school for a good few years, I started a stop start journey of trying to play songs, riffs and solos and pretty much got nowhere fast. When early retirement was looming I vowed I would finally learn how to play the guitar and not just bits and pieces. So when I jacked in work at 55 in 2011 I started again but as we offed and left the UK for France and spent 6 months house hunting then some time doing up our new home, it was again spasmodic. So at the end of 2012 I knuckled down again going over old stuff but tumbled on Justin Sandercoe in early 2013 and haven't looked back. The forum related to his online lessons is similar to Treeleaf in that its warm, friendly, encouraging and supportive. And all levels are encourage to record and share their progress, from out and out beginners to some gigging semi pros. Like Treeleaf allows us all to connect, modern technology allows for global collaborations with takes and stems winging it across the web to eventually be mixed, produced and put out for feedback.

    I still consider myself just an advanced beginner but I have recorded a host of covers and written a few originals. Spending most of my life thinking I was tone deaf and with limited range, I steered clear of singing until I was press ganged into a collaboration on an early 1970s prepunk project, as my Russian amateur (but excellent) mixer/producer wanted a London(UK) accent and I finally wilted under the pressure. And it came out ok. So with a little confidence I have since sung on a few of my own multi track projects and been invited to sing and play on more collaborations.

    Around about last November having stumbled at all previous attempts, I finally got the courage to start singing and playing and to make it work. In the last 4 months I have recorded 4 "live" performances but still consider it work in progress. Live projects are recorded via webcam and OBS for video recording with an Audio Interface plugged into the PC. Multi Track projects cobbled together with Reaper, my go to DAW and a host of FX products for mixing and mastering, of which I am a rank amateur !

    Wishing to improve my singing as well as my playing I am 4 weeks into a 12 week singing course and happy with the progress with a huge expansion of range. As a result of that I have some other projects in the pipe line that I will share with my guitar forum friends and potentially the wider public via soundcloud or youtube. I try and put out at least one recording a month if circumstances permit.

    I try to practice each day and have currently restarted a Blues Rhythm course and a Blues Lead course. I've lacked focus for a couple of years due to worries over Brexit and my wife's health issue last year but so far so good in 2021.

    Should anyone be interested in my recordings they can be found here

    https://soundcloud.com/tobyjenner/tracks

    There's the odd bit of noodling and some singing course tracks that can be ignored. Most of the tracks will indicate if its a collab or just me playing and singing on the odd occasion.

    and here

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2w..._as=subscriber

    My "live" performance come under the Madman banner, it follows the title of a forum post, when I lost the 100 FX on my Mustang III amp and went through the painful process of rebuilding it. As the factory FX were of questionable quality and use, I had spent the best part of 4 years replacing them all only to lose the lot and all the saved nuances I had applied to them......they were backed up offline though !! So I spent a week to 10 days seeking advice and council under the heading of the Madman's Diary as I was tearing my hair out, which included losing everything for a second time and then finding the original fault was down to a school boy error and nothing was ever lost, so the two rebuilds could have been avoided at the literal push of a button. Sitting was very help at this time. Anyway the label stuck and now indicates a little audio diary of social banter before I get to the actual "live" performances.

    Interaction with these two mediums is purely voluntary but there should you wish.

    Anyway that's about where I am at and short term where I am going but great to see so many other musicians here sharing there stories (can I say other ?)

    Sat and about to play.


    Seishin

    Sei - Meticulous
    Shin - Heart

  43. #43
    Quote Originally Posted by Seishin View Post
    Well folks I guess as I was the one to offer some advice and point Jundo in the direction of his online Beginners Guitar course and all points beyond, reckon I should confess to my sins.

    I have owned a guitar since my 40th birthday and then due to work commitments and a very heavy martial arts schedule including my own school for a good few years, I started a stop start journey of trying to play songs, riffs and solos and pretty much got nowhere fast. When early retirement was looming I vowed I would finally learn how to play the guitar and not just bits and pieces. So when I jacked in work at 55 in 2011 I started again but as we offed and left the UK for France and spent 6 months house hunting then some time doing up our new home, it was again spasmodic. So at the end of 2012 I knuckled down again going over old stuff but tumbled on Justin Sandercoe in early 2013 and haven't looked back. The forum related to his online lessons is similar to Treeleaf in that its warm, friendly, encouraging and supportive. And all levels are encourage to record and share their progress, from out and out beginners to some gigging semi pros. Like Treeleaf allows us all to connect, modern technology allows for global collaborations with takes and stems winging it across the web to eventually be mixed, produced and put out for feedback.

    I still consider myself just an advanced beginner but I have recorded a host of covers and written a few originals. Spending most of my life thinking I was tone deaf and with limited range, I steered clear of singing until I was press ganged into a collaboration on an early 1970s prepunk project, as my Russian amateur (but excellent) mixer/producer wanted a London(UK) accent and I finally wilted under the pressure. And it came out ok. So with a little confidence I have since sung on a few of my own multi track projects and been invited to sing and play on more collaborations.

    Around about last November having stumbled at all previous attempts, I finally got the courage to start singing and playing and to make it work. In the last 4 months I have recorded 4 "live" performances but still consider it work in progress. Live projects are recorded via webcam and OBS for video recording with an Audio Interface plugged into the PC. Multi Track projects cobbled together with Reaper, my go to DAW and a host of FX products for mixing and mastering, of which I am a rank amateur !

    Wishing to improve my singing as well as my playing I am 4 weeks into a 12 week singing course and happy with the progress with a huge expansion of range. As a result of that I have some other projects in the pipe line that I will share with my guitar forum friends and potentially the wider public via soundcloud or youtube. I try and put out at least one recording a month if circumstances permit.

    I try to practice each day and have currently restarted a Blues Rhythm course and a Blues Lead course. I've lacked focus for a couple of years due to worries over Brexit and my wife's health issue last year but so far so good in 2021.

    Should anyone be interested in my recordings they can be found here

    https://soundcloud.com/tobyjenner/tracks

    There's the odd bit of noodling and some singing course tracks that can be ignored. Most of the tracks will indicate if its a collab or just me playing and singing on the odd occasion.

    and here

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2w..._as=subscriber

    My "live" performance come under the Madman banner, it follows the title of a forum post, when I lost the 100 FX on my Mustang III amp and went through the painful process of rebuilding it. As the factory FX were of questionable quality and use, I had spent the best part of 4 years replacing them all only to lose the lot and all the saved nuances I had applied to them......they were backed up offline though !! So I spent a week to 10 days seeking advice and council under the heading of the Madman's Diary as I was tearing my hair out, which included losing everything for a second time and then finding the original fault was down to a school boy error and nothing was ever lost, so the two rebuilds could have been avoided at the literal push of a button. Sitting was very help at this time. Anyway the label stuck and now indicates a little audio diary of social banter before I get to the actual "live" performances.

    Interaction with these two mediums is purely voluntary but there should you wish.

    Anyway that's about where I am at and short term where I am going but great to see so many other musicians here sharing there stories (can I say other ?)

    Sat and about to play.
    Thanks for sharing Seishin. You just made me remember Behind Blue Eyes, which I haven’t heard in years!!! THANK YOU!

    Also, my professional opinion, is you should sing as often as your body wants to sing. Not healthy to keep music in, my friend. Also... far from tone deaf!

    Awesome to have found yet another artistic friend here!!!

    SatToday lah
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  44. #44
    Member Seishin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    La Croix-Avranchin, Basse Normandie, France
    Deep Bows for your comments Bion. My biggest issue with singing is confidence but that has grown with the recordings I have done over the last 14 months. Having a professional like yourself review some of my work and say that really makes me take notice and gives me a boost. So you have my deep gratitude for your words and openness. _/\_

    The singing courses is with a guy called Chris Liepe who has quite a unique approach and focuses on building up from a strong foundation. So I know if I put in the work it will pay off. As for Behind Blue Eyes I hope it was The Who's version I reminded you of lol, it ended up as a Who/Limp Bizkit hybrid as my playing was not up to The Who's bridge section and to me that really makes the song. So the plan is to go back to it a some stage and fill in the blanks. Current project for multi track (2 gtrs and vox, plus Bass and Drum BTs) is White Rabbit, so Grace Slick's vocals will really be a challenge !! But the end of the intro riff is proving tricky, old slow fingers. Rhythm and vox will be fine but getting there. Next "live" Madman study/zendo gig (is that allowed) will be Blaze of Glory either acoustic or hollow body but reworked in the original solo section (above my pay grade).

    So yep music is in my soul. And of course that non existent soul is only here while I am in this current cluster of molecules, so maybe its just in my heart.

    Looking forward to see how this section develops. Who knows it may even lead to some Treeleaf Collaboration Projects !!

    Nine bows and thank you once more.


    Sat then played


    Seishin

    Sei - Meticulous
    Shin - Heart

  45. #45
    Quote Originally Posted by GrasshopperMan17 View Post
    I am glad you guys like the Heart Sutra Remix. He also has other videos as well as podcasts about the Buddhist diet (among other things) if you are interested. I'm a big fan of Yogetsu

    Gassho, John
    ST/LAH
    So glad you posted him - been jamming to Yogetsu for a while, two of his tunes are on Spotify finally. Love his podcast as well.

    Gassho,
    A

    STLah

  46. #46
    Quote Originally Posted by Tairin View Post
    You’re making my day. Thank you

    You’re a song writer. If you can come up with some lyrics to go with it I’d love to hear them.


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah
    Hi Tairin,

    I really loved that track too. Have written some lyrics for the music if you'd feel ok with me posting.

    Short intro - can't call myself a musician as self taught and after years still very basic on acoustic guitar. I love writing lyrics - don't really enjoy playing covers so the guitar is just an anchor for
    lyric writing. I'd like to do more collaboration - that's when the lyrics really come to life - have done this from time to time with musicians who are accomplished and its really satisfying but most times
    I'm like a moody (68 years old!) teenager writing in my bedroom - which is fine 'cos I like that too!

    Its great to see/hear what everyone's involved in musically.



    Jinyo

    Sat today

  47. #47
    Quote Originally Posted by Jinyo View Post
    Hi Tairin,

    I really loved that track too. Have written some lyrics for the music if you'd feel ok with me posting.

    Short intro - can't call myself a musician as self taught and after years still very basic on acoustic guitar. I love writing lyrics - don't really enjoy playing covers so the guitar is just an anchor for
    lyric writing. I'd like to do more collaboration - that's when the lyrics really come to life - have done this from time to time with musicians who are accomplished and its really satisfying but most times
    I'm like a moody (68 years old!) teenager writing in my bedroom - which is fine 'cos I like that too!

    Its great to see/hear what everyone's involved in musically.



    Jinyo

    Sat today
    Hi Jinyo

    Yes please do post your lyrics. I’d love to see them and hear them if you want to try singing over the tune.

    I am so glad you enjoyed the song and found it inspiring.


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by Tairin View Post
    Hi Jinyo

    Yes please do post your lyrics. I’d love to see them and hear them if you want to try singing over the tune.

    I am so glad you enjoyed the song and found it inspiring.


    Tairin
    Sat today and lah
    Hi,
    Atmospherically the acoustics suggested a dreamlike state to me, particularly the first four bars that repeated in a way our thoughts do when waking up in that half-dream state.

    Not sure I can devise a recording of my singing over music but will try. Any chance of the chords for acoustic version? I've been playing with it all day and has kinda morphed as I'm rubbish
    beyond a few chords I can play.

    Lyrics often read a bit limp without the music but here they are - they do fit with the music as have been singing them all day but tricky in places

    Intro – four bars- no lyrics

    Morning
    First light
    You are here
    In my mind

    Maybe I’m just dreaming
    Maybe I’m just scheming
    My way back home to you

    My way back home
    Been lost and alone
    I’m finding my way
    Back home to you

    Morning
    First light
    You are here
    In my heart

    Maybe I’m just dreaming
    Maybe I’m just scheming
    My way back home to you

    My way back home
    Never really gone
    In my heart all along
    I’m no longer alone

    But maybe I’m just dreaming
    just dreaming ... all alone



    Jinyo

    Sat Today

  49. #49
    Quote Originally Posted by Jinyo View Post
    Hi,
    Atmospherically the acoustics suggested a dreamlike state to me, particularly the first four bars that repeated in a way our thoughts do when waking up in that half-dream state.

    Not sure I can devise a recording of my singing over music but will try. Any chance of the chords for acoustic version? I've been playing with it all day and has kinda morphed as I'm rubbish
    beyond a few chords I can play.

    Lyrics often read a bit limp without the music but here they are - they do fit with the music as have been singing them all day but tricky in places

    Intro – four bars- no lyrics

    Morning
    First light
    You are here
    In my mind

    Maybe I’m just dreaming
    Maybe I’m just scheming
    My way back home to you

    My way back home
    Been lost and alone
    I’m finding my way
    Back home to you

    Morning
    First light
    You are here
    In my heart

    Maybe I’m just dreaming
    Maybe I’m just scheming
    My way back home to you

    My way back home
    Never really gone
    In my heart all along
    I’m no longer alone

    But maybe I’m just dreaming
    just dreaming ... all alone



    Jinyo

    Sat Today
    Very nice! SUPER interesting how we both sort of had the same vibe when it came to the topic of the lyrics. I wrote some last week for it and we have a basic version recorded already. It literally uses the HOME theme and all I can say is : GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE!! WONDERFUL!

    (Sorry for the extra line there!!!)

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  50. #50
    Quote Originally Posted by Bion View Post
    Very nice! SUPER interesting how we both sort of had the same vibe when it came to the topic of the lyrics. I wrote some last week for it and we have a basic version recorded already. It literally uses the HOME theme and all I can say is : GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE!! WONDERFUL!

    (Sorry for the extra line there!!!)

    SatToday

    Would love to hear the recording when its done !

    Sat Today

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