Walt Wagner & Toshio Kishimoto - Blessings of Nature (1994)
SHAK-1002
Piano : Walt Wagner
Shakuhachi : Toshio Kishimoto
Recording date : 1994.3.12 at Peter.M.Morton's Home concert
00:00 Danny Boy
--- Blessings of Nature(自然の恵み) ---
03:33 Rising Cloud (湧き上がる雲)
07:25 Blessing Skies (恵みの空)
12:24 Forming Waters (変わりゆく水)
"Blessing of Nature" is an album that somehow remained hidden from the spotlight until now, despite its incredible craftsmanship and serene beauty. Released in 1994, this collaboration between American pianist Walt Wagner and Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player Toshio Kishimoto offers an exquisite fusion of Western classical and jazz piano with the delicate, meditative tones of traditional Japanese music.
The album opens with the iconic standard "Danny Boy," where Wagner’s tender piano touches blend effortlessly with Kishimoto’s ethereal shakuhachi melodies. Together, they breathe new life into this well-loved tune, transforming it into a transcendent experience that seems to float between worlds. The centerpiece, however, is the album’s title suite, "Blessing of Nature," an original composition by both artists that unfolds like a journey through natural landscapes, rich with emotional depth and harmonic exploration.
It is astonishing that such a gem has stayed in the shadows for so long. The synergy between Wagner’s rich, versatile piano work and Kishimoto’s masterful shakuhachi performance is a rare treasure, elevating the album to a meditative yet dynamic experience.
About the Artists:
Walt Wagner, a Seattle-based pianist, is well known for his versatility, seamlessly blending classical music with rock and jazz influences. His career spans decades, having performed in settings ranging from restaurants and cruise ships to international skating tours. Most recently, he gained recognition as the pianist for the iconic Seattle restaurant Canlis, where his elegant playing became a key part of the dining experience.
Toshio Kishimoto, born in 1954 in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is not only a distinguished shakuhachi player but also a respected physician. Having started playing shakuhachi at the age of 13, he mastered the art of the instrument in the Tozan-ryu tradition. His musical accomplishments include winning the 1994 Emmy Award for composition in a U.S. television documentary while studying at the University of Washington. Kishimoto's background in both medicine and music makes him a fascinating figure, embodying the fusion of science and art.
Together, these two artists have crafted a work that is both a celebration of nature and a testament to the universality of music across cultures and disciplines. "Blessing of Nature" is an album not to be missed by anyone who appreciates the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
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