Koto Jazz
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Repercussions Repercussions
This song is about my relationship with my father. It is also about the effects of family legacies, good and bad; The intensity of family relationships and their powerful impact on following generations. This is about 50% of this song recording.
Getting Away from the Blues Getting Away from the Blues
Can musicians get away from the jazz/blues? It's themes and styles are so broad and sweeping, it's impossible to imagine any musical ventures completely free of jazz influences. This song is very much opposite the title, meaning "I give up trying".
Tianzi Mountains In Mist Tianzi Mountains In Mist
the mystical magical Tianzi mountains in China has inspired thousands of years of artistic expression.
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Winston's Canon in D Minor by Chris Kenji Winston's Canon in D Minor by Chris Kenji
I learned this one in high school when I first heard George Winston's music. A highlight was playing this one song earned me runner up at Xavier University's talent show, then I played it during the graduation ceremony.
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
My version of this classic American love song from the early 1900s.
Haystack Horse Trot Haystack Horse Trot
The most enjoyable horse back riding experience is flying down the coast toward Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon.
Falling Leaves Falling Leaves
Wandering Rhino Bug Wandering Rhino Bug
This is a fun, eclectic koto jazz tune about one of my most memorable life experiences. My brother, Uncle Yasushi and I used to go hunting, for rhinosaurus beetles climbing trees in rural Japan. They make for popular pets in Japan.
TidePool & Waves Live (Ambience w/ Marie) TidePool & Waves Live (Ambience w/ Marie)
The powerful ebb and flow of the ocean waves as it flows into tide pools. This song reached to #2 on the Soundclick World and New Age charts.
Seascape - Sounds from the Coast Seascape - Sounds from the Coast
This song is inspired by the serenity of the ocean, being in its presence and being present to it. This original piece I wrote in my early teens which came back to me in the past year. This is an expanded version of that original melody.
Odds & Endings - Sounds from the Coast Odds & Endings - Sounds from the Coast
Inspired in part by the music of piano virtuoso from Toronto, Li Pui Ming. I use quite a few dissonant chords in sequence to evoke a bit of "chaos jazz".
Aki no Hou (Toward The Autumn Season)- Chris Kenji Aki no Hou (Toward The Autumn Season)- Chris Kenji
As I reflect on the passing of a former friend and music mentor, Steve Haun, I think this piece about the changing of the seasons in nature is appropriate to honor him. (inspired by two Japanese koto nature songs, Aki No Koto No Ha & Midare)
Raindrops Fall from Trees (KotoJazz) - ChrisKenji Raindrops Fall from Trees (KotoJazz) - ChrisKenji
The sound of raindrops falling from trees. This original was written jointly with my daughter (when she was 7-8 years old) when we were exchanging piano playing one evening. It has evolved since and she named it too.
Mount Index Ice Caves (Koto Jazz) Mount Index Ice Caves (Koto Jazz)
Mount Index is a cathedral- like mountain on the way to Stevens Pass an hour north of Seattle. Rising above the alpine lake are ice caves between massive granite cathedral rocks. There you will find the haunting echoes of dripping ice caves & showers
Tori No Yo Ni (Like A Bird) - Chris Kenji Beer Tori No Yo Ni (Like A Bird) - Chris Kenji Beer
This song is my variation of the famous traditional Japanese koto song, inspired by a bird, a large crane, playing in the lake waters and then lifting off into the sky to return from whence it came. It had been on Soundclick Asia top 10 for 2 weeks.
Ripples On Creek Rocks - Chris Kenji Beer Ripples On Creek Rocks - Chris Kenji Beer
Ripples On Creek Rocks (Kuriku Iwa no Hamon), is a musical reflection on the melodies created by flowing water over creek rocks. This song was aired on NPR KFSK jazz radio (09/15), South Alaska and #41 in the Acoustic Piano Soundclick charts.
