Press Release Summary = CD RELEASE: JAPANESE MUSIC FOR THE MIND AND SPIRIT
Press Release Body = Duo En has released their first collaboration, EN: AFFINITY. The concept of En means "affinity\" and this husband-wife duo have an affinity for Japanese music based on years of study in Japan. Award-winning artist and koto master Elizabeth Falconer (koto) and John Falconer (shakuhachi bamboo flute) perform original compositions and renowned pieces from Japan, as well as their own arrangements of American spirituals, a romantic classical work, and a lilting Cuban melody. Reaching beyond the style of \"meditation music,\" this is an utterly refreshing take on the versatile sounds of these traditional Japanese instruments.
The CD includes: Enigma, Whispering Trees, Silver River, Spring Sea, Danza Lucumi, Sukiyaki Song, Amazing Grace/Swing Low, Lost Lake Reflections, Scarborough Fair, Je Crois Encore Entendre, and Nightingale\'s Return.
The koto is a classical Japanese instrument with 13 strings. The shakuhachi is a 5-holed bamboo flute with Zen roots. John and Elizabeth Falconer met when they began studying Japanese in 1974. They fell in love with each other, then fell in love with Japan, and have spent over half of their lives studying Japanese culture and language. They have lived in Japan for over a decade, studying Japanese music from master teachers. They perform often in the Pacific Northwest and Japan. Their love for Japanese music and culture comes alive in their warm, intimate, inspired performances.
The CD is the 12th release on the award-winning Koto World label, and can be found at duoen.com, cdbaby.com, amazon.com, kotoworld.com, and at select shops. Sound samples and more information on Duo En's concert schedule can be found at www.duoen.com.