GONGTOPIA TAIRAKU, by Michael Bettine / Brian Ritchie

GONGTOPIA TAIRAKU

by Michael Bettine / Brian Ritchie

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1.	Long Night, Winter Stars 07:00	buy track
2.	Reflecting Pool 04:54	buy track
3.	Dralas 02:42	buy track
4.	Choshi 06:37	buy track
5.	Swirling 04:58	buy track
6.	Thai Pavillion 05:13	buy track
7.	Kyorei 10:24	buy track

about

These improvisations are a meeting of minds and instruments. Improvising percussionist, Michael Bettine, plays a wide array of gongs, bells, and metal percussion. Brian Ritchie plays a variety of Shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute. These two masters of their craft create music that is serene and meditative, yet retains a sense of exploration and adventure.

MICHAEL BETTINE specializes in solo and improvised percussion, and has a fondness for all types of vibrating metal. He works under the name, GONGTOPIA, presenting both solo concerts, and meditation sessions, using a wide variety of gongs, singing bowls, bells, and percussion.

BRIAN RITCHIE studied shakuhachi for seven years in New York City with James Nyoraku Schlefer. Ritchie achieved the rank of Jun Shihan (teaching license) in March of 2003. Along with the license he received the professional name “Tairaku” which means “Big Music”. He is also the bassist for American folk punk band, Violent Femmes; and Australian surf band, The Break.

credits

released June 1, 2018

Michael Bettine - Gongs, Singing Bowls, Bells, Bell Plates, Wood Block

Brian Ritchie - Shakuhachi Flutes

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about

Michael Bettine

Percussion as a way of life. For over 45 years now Michael has hit things for a living, making an unabashed glorious noise. He believes in following his own muse wherever it leads him and loves exploring new sonic frontiers. He currently works outside of the realms of time & space. ... more

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Michael Bettine recommends:

Driftwood
by Simon Barker: drums

I've never heard anything else like this. I was fortunate to see Simon in Australia last January at MOFO and his playing and ideas are unique. This album blows me away. Check it out! Michael Bettine
go to album
SACRED GONG TWO
by ANDREA CENTAZZO

I've stolen a lot of what I know about percussion from Andrea. He's a true original and creates beautiful music. You owe it to yourself to check this album out. Michael Bettine
go to album
Illusory
by JARBOE

I love this recording and find that it takes me to other realms. I often play it when I need to be in a creative mood. Jarboe's music seems to know me better than I know myself. Michael Bettine
go to album