Christopher Yohmei Blasdel

Christopher Yohmei Blasdel is an American-born shakuhachi master and cultural ambassador who’s spent decades bridging Japanese traditional music with global sounds. After moving to Japan in the 1970s, he became a certified shakuhachi instructor under the legendary Yokoyama Katsuya, immersing himself in the meditative Honkyoku repertoire while also experimenting with cross-genre collaborations. His work spans haunting solo bamboo flute recordings (*Heart of Bamboo*) to boundary-pushing fusions like *Night of the Garuda*, where shakuhachi mingles with Middle Eastern oud and Gagaku court instruments. Blasdel’s releases, including the ambient-tinged *Zen Reveries* and rhythmically inventive *Striking Light, Striking Dark*, reflect his dual passion for preservation and innovation. When not performing, he’s known for lectures, workshops, and his memoir *The Single Tone*, sharing insights into Japan’s musical traditions.

Genres

Experimental

Ambient

Jazz

World

Contemporary Classical

New Age

Meditation

Chill Out

Fusion Music

Traditional Japanese

Latest Release

Heart of Bamboo

Christopher Yohmei Blasdel

Album - 10 Tracks - Released August 10, 2024