Riley Lee is a renowned shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) master whose musical journey creates a bridge between traditional Japanese music and various other genres, ensuring the ancient instrument's voice resonates in the contemporary world. Born in Texas in 1951, Lee became the first non-Japanese to attain the rank of dai shihan (grand master) in the shakuhachi tradition in 1980. He was a pupil of the revered Katsuya Yokoyama, one of Japan's most venerated shakuhachi masters.

Lee's discography includes a multitude of albums that celebrate the calming, meditative qualities of the shakuhachi's sound, often incorporating elements of world music and new age sensitivity. His music is marked by a profound sense of tranquility and a deep connection to the spirituality of sound. Riley Lee's works, like "Golden Kelp" and "Shaku Shakti," reflect his comprehensive understanding of the instrument's history and techniques, as well as his ability to craft soundscapes that transport listeners to realms of inner peace and contemplation. Through releases such as "Wisdom" and "Divine Secrets," Lee continues to affirm his status as a crucial figure in world music, fostering the shakuhachi's relevance not just as an element of Japanese cultural heritage, but as a timeless voice in the global tapestry of music.

Genres

Meditation

Shakuhachi

Related Artists

Ludovico Einaudi

Enya

Max Richter

Lisa Gerrard

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Jóhann Jóhannsson

Peter Gabriel

Ólafur Arnalds

Nils Frahm

Philip Glass

Loreena McKennitt

Heilung

Latest Release

Golden Kelp

Riley Lee

Album - 9 Tracks - Released May 5, 2023