Hana: Japanese Song C6th Lap Steel

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 27 May 2005 12:43 am

My friend Kunihiko Suzuki, El Paso, Tx sent me this song among many others. It is very interesting to listen to traditional as well as modern music of Japan and try them for size on steel guitar.
To play this particular peice I adjusted the bottom C note down to an A. http://members.cox.net/loveridehd/HANALAPSTEELC6.mp3

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 27 May 2005 10:04 am

Boy, is that pretty, Roy! You prove that there is nothing like the steel to "sing" a melody. I lke the Theremin-style vibrato you use very sparingly. You have remarkable control and feel for the instrument.

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 27 May 2005 11:43 am

Many thanks Andy!
You got me running to my dictionary of music
looking up "Theremin"....electronic instrument invented by Russian physicist in 1920. Notes are produced by variations in frequency of oscillating electric circuit, controlled by movement of players hand in air towards or away from antenna"

"Whipping" the bar back and forth within a non defined space does it for me.
The traditional Koto players press selected strings behind the bridge(s). No stops, so it
is all in the "feel" of the player.
It is one of the most beautiful and haunting sounds I have ever heard in my lifetime.

Roy

[This message was edited by Roy Thomson on 27 May 2005 at 12:45 PM.]

Jeff Au Hoy · Post by **Jeff Au Hoy** » 27 May 2005 11:54 am

Hi Roy, I enjoyed your recording. I'm no expert on Japanese singing, but your playing (on this one) really brings to mind the vocal qualities of native Japanese singers I've heard, particularly in the vibrato and the lilts. I've heard JB do Japanese tunes in the Byrd style, but this is the first time I've heard Japanese singing applied to steel (at least that's what I hear). Neato!

Terry Farmer · Post by **Terry Farmer** » 27 May 2005 11:56 am

Wow, Roy. That is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a long while. I'm putting that on my list of songs to learn! Thanks.

Mike Ruffin · Post by **Mike Ruffin** » 27 May 2005 1:28 pm

Roy

That is absolutely beautiful. Thanks to you and Kuni.

Joel Newman · Post by **Joel Newman** » 27 May 2005 2:00 pm

Slammin' as usual Roy!!

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 28 May 2005 12:18 pm

Nice to hear the above comments. It took three days to track the voice.
I have written the Tablature for this song
and added it to my list. C6 drop "A"
Please email me for more info.
roythomson@eastlink.ca

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 28 May 2005 2:08 pm

Wonderful, Roy. I used to have a great vinyl recording of Handel's Water Music & Royal Fireworks Suite all played by the Koto Ensemble of Tokyo. Amazing record but regretably, apparently out of print.

Anyone who wants to learn about the fantastic story of Leon Theramin and his invention should check out this DVD documentary:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005BKZO/qid%3D1117 317338/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-6971627-5602523

Amazon has some for less than $8 bucks. It's an amazing story ... Leon Thermin was kidnapped from NY by the KGB and spirited back to Russia. The Theramin offered many more possibilites beyond "Good Vibrations" and 50's Sci-fi movie soundtracks. Classical Theramin virtuoso Clara Rockmore demonstrates astounding control in the clips in the movie.[This message was edited by Andy Volk on 28 May 2005 at 03:10 PM.]

Jan Hess · Post by **Jan Hess** » 4 Jun 2005 9:59 am

Beautiful tune & playing Roy!

I gotta say...I'm amazed at all the feelings & intelligence that sprout up here on the forum. Simply put..It's truely wonderful and thank you everyone!! Soundhound[This message was edited by Jan Hess on 05 June 2005 at 11:58 AM.]