CLOSEOUT: Shakuhachi Honkyoku Music CD: Brian Franklin Breathe in Peace

The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese style flute. Brian Franklin, an expert shakuhachi player, blows hauntingly beautiful and quintessentially Japanese sounds. Breathe in Peace is a CD of sacred meditational music. It begins with two pieces Choshi and Hi Fu Mi Cho. These are to see how the player is feeling and how they flute is responding. Next is Murasaki Reibo and is played to help young people with their mental skills (like school work). Kumoijishi summons a magical lion that dances in the clouds and is there to protect us. Jinbo Sanya -- Sanya is a valley and Jinbo is a priest that spent his life attempting to perfect this piece. Banshiki is a memorial piece. It starts mournful and moves into a crying mood, then resolves to acceptance. Darani is a protecting mantra that envisions a strong Buddha. Hi Fu Mi Hachigaeshi is a common song that the Komuso (mendicant priests) would play in front of a house. They would give their rice bowls to the patrons, play the Hi Fu Mi part, then upon returning the bowl, they would play the Hachigaeshi as a thanks for the return of the bowl. Sanya as mentioned before is "valley." There are many versions of Sanya since each temple had their own. This one is from Futaiken. Last we have Kyorei. Kyorei was conceived by trying to imitate on the shakuhachi the sound of a bell that priests use. So the name is Kyorei or Empty or False bell. The name Breathe in Peace is from my experience with shakuhachi. I have a medical condition that involves my lungs and required surgery. The doctors said what kept me alive before surgery was playing the shakuhachi. I owe my life to this piece of bamboo with five holes. It is my best friend.