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

Percussionist/Composer/Writer/Educator - Besides being a performing percussionist, Michael spent 25 years (1983-2008) as a contributing writer to MODERN DRUMMER magazine. He has also written for AVANT, DownBeat, Rhythm, and other music magazines; published various books on music & percussion, recorded 13 albums of solo percussion music, and currently obsesses over metal percussion of all types. ... 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
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P O R T A L S
by Jeff Willet Music

Gongs. Big Gongs. Deep Gongs. Powerful Gongs, yet subtle music that reaches your inner core. Beautiful. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen over a good sound system or good headphones! Michael Bettine
go to album
Federal
by Tinkler/Sheehan

I played a duo set with Scott down in Australia at MOFO. This guy can play! I love his sound. You will too! I need to play with him again someday. This album reminds me of the music we made. Buy it!! Michael Bettine
go to album