Rob Foster - Shakuhachi Flutes
Kurt Ellenberger - Piano
Ric Troll - Percussion
Vibrant tones of the bamboo flute, the warm expressiveness of the grand piano, exotic rhythms from a range of world percussion, and a unique mix of enchanting melodies and passionate improvisations are the hallmark of Ütaké’s debut album, The Name of the Wind.
Engaging and introspective, it’s an acoustic adventure bringing together the spontenaity of jazz with the meditative atmosphere of the best of new age. The Name of the Wind is as pure and emotional as it gets.
Ütaké is where new age and jazz intersect, complementing each other in a way that builds on the strengths of each genre, without sacrificing the integrity of either. Ütaké blends composition and improvisation, maintaining the spontaneity of improvisation with a structured framework that attracts listeners from across the musical spectrum. The result is an earthy and spiritually evocative sound from this unique blend of acoustic instruments.
Ütaké is a global fusion ensemble that takes the shakuhachi flute into the realms of jazz and beyond. The group – also featuring world percussion and piano – draws its influences and techniques from multiple musical traditions and integrates them into an original and surprising group approach and sound.
Ütaké is an agile trio with a global view of musical possibilities. The group has staked out a unique outpost on the musical frontier – an outpost where traditions are honored, but anything goes . . .
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