Phil Nyokai James

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Phil Nyokai James is a professional shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) teacher and performer as well as avant-garde composer. Born in New York in 1954, James studied shakuhachi with Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin and Yoshio Kurahashi. After receiving his master's license (shihan level), he began teaching and performing throughout the United States. His shakuhachi dojo is centered in Portland, Maine.

James' performances often juxtapose traditional Japanese meditative pieces (honkyoku) with electronic noise music. He frequently works with postmodern choreographers and butoh dancers.

[edit] Discography

Already Gone. Phil James, 1999. For shakuhachi, Native American Flute, pedal steel guitar, shakuhachi, drums, turntables, and electronics.
First Places. Phil James (solo shakuahchi), 2001.

[edit] Selected Compositions

Crystal Earth Drum, 2006, for electronics.
Ishi (stones), 2004, for shinobue, shakuhachi, sho, kokyu, bass koto and percussion (o-daiko, tyappa, kin, and mokugyo).
Quiet Music, 2004, for electronics (installation).
You Were Dazzle, 2002, for untrained voices, shakuhachi, electric guitar, bass, cymbals, and video, 2002 (text by Carole Maso).