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Zenkichi Kikuchi (1880 – 1965)
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BAT OF NO BIRD ISLAND Bat of No Bird Island is composition for chamber-jazz
unique approach in his incorporation of text spoken
ensemble written by Seattle composer and percussionist
through old walkie-talkies and the use of the actual
Paul Kikuchi. The work, inspired by the written memoir
78RPM records from which the piece is based, played
and 78RPM record collection of his great grandfather,
on old Victrolas creating an unusually beautiful and
Zenkichi Kikuchi, draws inspiration from aspects of
fragile musical landscape.
Zenkichi’s life as depicted in his memoir, including his early childhood in the Japanese countryside, immigration to America in 1901, farming the Yakima Valley, and the challenging years during WW2.
The composition is a highly personal work of connection and innovative re-imagination drawn directly from Kikuchi’s family history as well as a wide reaching artistic statement exploring history, lineage, and self-identity.
Bat of No Bird Island includes original music as well as
Included in each performance is a high quality program
re-imaginations of traditional Japanese music from the
with composition information, photographs, and memoir
1930’s and 1940’s, sourced from Zenkichi’s 78’s. Along
excerpts. Pre-show and intermission features Rob Millis
with traditional instrumentation, Kikuchi takes a
DJing Japanese 78RPM records from the 1920’s – 1940’s.
Bat of No Bird Island premiered at the Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, WA on November 2nd 2013, with major funding from Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works grant.
Press Packet | v. April, 2014
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BAT OF NO BIRD ISLAND Paul Kikuchi, composer (b. 1977)
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PROGRAM
1. Four Seasons of the Childhood
(Kikuchi)
2. Kō Ni Mayou, “Lost in the Fragrance”
By Ichimaru (re-imagined by Kikuchi)
3. Seki No Oiwake “Crossroads at the Barrier” By Shōko Aoba (re-imagined by Kikuchi)
Intermission ( 78 RPM Japanese records from 1920’s – 1940’s, by Rob Millis)
4.
Asazuki Yuzuki “Morning Moon, Evening Moon” from Aizen Katsura, a Shōchiku-Ōfuna picture By Misao Matsubara (re-imagined by Kikuchi)
5. Aizen Yakyoku “Lovestruck Serenade” from Zoku Aizen Katsura, a Shōchiku-Ōfuna picture
6. Kōmori Seika, “Bat Chant” (Kikuchi)
By Noboru Kirishima & Misao Matsubara (re-imagined by Kikuchi)
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paul kikuchi Percussionist, composer, and sound artist from Indianola, WA.
After playing in rock bands as a youth, Paul went on to study music at Bennington College (BFA) and California Institute of the Arts (MFA). He currently works as a musician and educator in Seattle, WA. Paul is interested in cultivating – in himself and others – a curiosity and deeper appreciation of sound and silence. He composes for a wide variety of ensembles, ranging from chamber music to experimental jazz. Recent compositions explore the experiential aspect of creation and perception, specifically the transmission of presence, somatic awareness, and intent from the composer/ performer to the listener. His site-specific work in abandoned train tunnels, nuclear cooling towers, and underground cisterns intends to invigorate perception and reflection by re-contextualizing sound in extreme acoustic environments. To this end he also designs and constructs instruments that are utilized in his various projects. An in demand freelance percussionist, Paul’s playing can be heard on over 40 albums.
Press Packet | v. April, 2014
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(First Row, Starting at Top) Tari Nelson-Zagar – violin, Eyvind Kang – viola, Maria Scherer Wilson – cello (Second Row, Starting at Top) Stuart Dempster – trombone, didgeridoo, & conches, Rob Millis – 78RPM records, Bill Horist – guitar & dan nguye
Press Packet | v. April, 2014
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BOOKING CONTACT Paul Kikuchi paul@paulkikuchi.com 206.355.2917
DURATION 45 minutes 1 hour w/intermission
TECHNICAL NEEDS Seattle area performances:
PA system with 7 microphones 7 chairs 2 power strips (stage left and stage right) (1) 6’ table Sound engineer Lighting engineer
Non-Seattle area performances:
PA system with 7 microphones 7 chairs 2 power strips (stage left and stage right) (1) 6’ table Sound engineer Lighting engineer 28” x 14” (or thinner) concert bass drum + stand Guitar amplifier
Press Packet | v. April, 2014
Inspired by the memoir and 78RPM record collection of Zenkichi Kikuchi (1880 – 1965 ) www.paulkikuchi.com
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