Western Surfer Meets Eastern Music

John Neptune — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:30:25 +0000

I feel fortunate to be making a living as a musician! Because I am on the road about half the year, travel is a big part of my work and probably the one thing that causes the most stress. Nonstop flights are always appreciated by everyone, but for a musician, it often determines if the focus and energy are appropriately high.

I play the traditional Japanese end-blown bamboo flute called shakuhachi. The shakuhachi is a simple looking flute, with only five holes, and the traditional music is very subtle, often used for meditation. But it is also possible to play jazz and other kinds of music. My compositions often feature flavors from around the world and they represent an appreciation and respect for all kinds of music gained in my ethnomusicology studies in Hawaii. I feel lucky that the shakuhachi can make so many interesting sounds!

I am connected in many ways to both Oregon and Japan. I built a dome house from Oregon Dome in the Japanese countryside about two hours outside Tokyo and have been living and working in Japan for more than 30 years. Since performing for the Japan-America Society of Oregon 25 years ago, I have had the opportunity to perform in the Portland area many times. A great city with everything … I have especially enjoyed working with fantastic jazz musicians who live there.

How did all this happen to a California surfer? I caught a big wave and rode it to Hawaii and became interested in Asian music at the university there. Then I caught another big wave and ended up in Japan, where I still surf, but mostly I am busy performing, composing and making the shakuhachi and a new bamboo drum I invented.

My advice to those visiting Portland: Besides the great restaurants, check out some of the good quality live music, and go for a hike in the nearby Columbia River Gorge.

My advice to those visiting Tokyo: Check the English newspaper for performance listings for all kinds of music, and after you do the city thing (Akihabara Electric Town, etc.) visit a hot spring resort in the countryside or a beautiful sea village like my home town Kamogawa. You might see me surfing while playing the shakuhachi?!?

John Kaizan Neptune
Musician, Composer, Instrument Maker

Experience John Neptune’s famous music live in Portland Friday, October 30th at Japan-American Society of Oregon’s Tea House Jazz performance.

Photo credits: Shakuhachi, Krista & Rob, John Neptune photos courtesy of John Neptune

I Fly Nonstop » John Neptune

Western Surfer Meets Eastern Music