This is my Tribute to the Zen Soundscape of and my Friendship with my buddy, Kitaro.
Kitaro effectively speaks three languages. He converses with English; his birth language is Japanese.
But Kitaro’s most powerful language is “spoken” with his body, his arms and his fingers. You have the privilege to feel his Music because there are no vocals (except for some occasional vocal collaborations) in his masterpieces. Everyone will derive different personal feelings from the songs they feel when the songs are performed.
Over the years, Kitaro had interesting collaborations with the likes of Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart), Yes (Jon Anderson), Megadeth (Marty Friedman), Dennis Banks, Philip Glass, Zhang Yimou and Oliver Stone.
When Kitaro performs his music vision, his body (arms, facial gestures, closed eyes, dancing fingers) flows with what emerges from his Soul. To play out his Music Vision, the multi-instrumentalist Kitaro employs his trusty Korg keyboard, Mini Moog, electric sitar, Buddhist bells, Taiko drums, flutes, and even a harmonica.
Kitaro’s Arsenal (above image) to quell off one’s ill feelings and replace it with tranquil optimism and contentment.
Kitaro with his Buddhist Bell (above image).
Kitaro with his Flute (above image).
Kitaro with his Electric Sitar (above image).
Kitaro with his Taiko Drum (above image).
Kitaro with his Harmonica (above image).
Kitaro with his Family of Soundscapes (above image). Quiet ponderings before his concert performance.
Kitaro calibrates his Electric Sitar (above image). During Soundcheck. Ensuring he gives his best to his deserving audience.
Kitaro Poster (above image) with his Flute. I am honoured that Kitaro used my image of him for his poster.
Over the years I have joyfully hung out with Kitaro and got a feel for who he really is. He is genuinely calm and contented, exuding optimism. He never raises his voice.
I acquaint him as the Asian version of Prince (“Purple Rain”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, “Sign Of The Times”) and Brian Eno (Roxy Music, U2, Taking Heads etc) who are all oozing with melodies, musical ideas and are multi-instrumentalists. Different sons of a different Music Motherlode.
Kitaro music is timeless and transcends all racial, cultural and spiritual boundaries. His music provides soothing balm to one’s soul especially in today’s stressful times.
My eclectic latest Sparks (“MAD”) and Kitaro (“Zen: Live In Katsuyama”) CDs and DVD arrived yesterday, courtesy of Amazon. As diverse music genres as you can get.
My Stash of Kitaro CDs and Concert Passes collected over the years (above image).
You do not listen to Kitaro’s music, you feel it. Play Loud. Let the Zen Music seep into your Soul.
Signed “Thinking Of You” Vinyl and CD (above image). I am honoured Kitaro featured my portrait of him in his Grammy award winning album, “Thinking Of You”.
Actual Portrait of Kitaro featured in “Thinking Of You” album (above image). I presented a signed print of this beloved image to him during his most recent private visit.
The following images are of me hanging out with the ageless Kitaro over the years.
Kitaro with my “ACCESS: Into The Wilderness Of Rock And Roll” book (above image) featuring him in the pages.
Kitaro hanging out at my Meditation Chamber at home (above image).
Kitaro and his fun wife Franci enjoying lunch at Tanglin Club (above image).
Stretching out with Kitaro (above image) pre-concert.
Me and Kitaro’s Canon Cameras (above image).
Another Happy Hangout Time with the Maestro (above image).
Me, the talented Drummer and his Taiko Drums (above image).
Now and Zen, I always look forward my bonding time with Kitaro-san. See you in September 2025!
