Sound Circle Otonowa

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Otonowa, or "Sound Circle," is comprised entirely of jazz interpretations of traditional Japanese folk melodies that date back as long as a century ago. The incorporation of these cultural elements is part of the long tradition of American jazz artists interpreting the American folk and popular songbook. In Otonowa’s interpretations, traditional Japanese instruments are also employed, like the Shakuhachi (the traditional Japanese flute) and the fan drum, along with the piano, acoustic bass, and drum set. What makes this group unique is that the members learned their craft here in the US and seek to illuminate songs of their Japanese ancestry in a uniquely American way. credits. Otonowa is Akira Tana (founder/drums), Art Hirahara (piano), Masaru Koga (woodwinds), Noriyuki Ken Okada (bass) and Saki Kono (guest vocalist/tour organizer) who joins them every year to visit, play for and with, the communities affected by the 2011 tsunami in Northern Japan.