{"id":1676,"date":"2012-10-04T07:02:37","date_gmt":"2012-10-03T20:02:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.robwalkerpoet.com\/?p=1676"},"modified":"2012-10-13T09:21:46","modified_gmt":"2012-10-12T22:21:46","slug":"dance-of-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.robwalkerpoet.com\/?p=1676","title":{"rendered":"dance of change"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Native American flute by EphemeralRift<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Shakuhachi by Rob Walker<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Production by Chuck Berglund<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wind instruments appear in all cultures. Despite variations in construction, playing techniques, modes and scales, there\u2019s a remarkable similarity in the sound. There\u2019s something very close to the human voice in the timbre and its reliance on breath makes it seem like an extension of your own body. Once you\u2019ve internalized the basic techniques it becomes a part of you, using your diaphragm, stomach muscles and tongue \u2013 like singing with suppressed larynx. My sensei constantly reminds me to use minimal breath, just as good vocalists use their abs, expel little air and make it look effortless. (It takes years of hard slog to make it look effortless!)<\/p>\n

Thanks Chuck for melding the instruments of two cultures to make this wonderful celebration of diversity. I find the sliding notes on the indigenous American flute especially thrilling.<\/p>\n

(Hear it by clicking on the title below)<\/p>\n