Hanz Araki
Six of One 5 of the Other
© 2004 Hanz Araki (678277068926)
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A brilliant selection of Irish and Scottish songs and tunes packed with energy, a wealth of talent, rich in texture and played without sacrificing tradition or being held back by it.
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"Newcomer of the Year---Hanz Araki"
He is from Seattle. We had never heard of him. Then, WHAM! His album, Six of One 5 of the Other hit our desk. Araki is a terrific flute player, and a truly terrific singer. It is very rare to find a talent this good on an instrument who also sings this well. Lots of great musicians think they sing well, and are dreadful. Not Araki. We only talked to him once. We still don't know a lot about him personally, but what we DO know is that he has offered this amazing first album. Wow! This is a big time talent---and as we said in the full review, this boy can play and sing!! We love this album. We love this talent.
-- Bill Margeson, www.liveireland.com
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KLCC "Best Music of 2004" List - Eugene, OR
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"From rainy Seattle comes the wonderfully sunny sounding group An Tua, fronted by singer and flute/whistle player Hanz Araki (once of The Paperboys), who's joined by a varying cast of accompanists on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and light percussion. Six of One is a consistently pleasing collection named for its contents, six traditional songs and five tune sets. The disc alternates fresh arrangements of ballads that showcase Araki's smooth tenor vocals, like a jazzy, syncopated arrangement of "Jock O'Hazeldean" and a brisk but sensitive take of "Plains of Waterloo," with medleys of reels and jigs driven by his masterful wooden flute playing, which is sweet and lush and full of feeling and nuance."
-- Dirty Linen
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"One of a generation of global beat players who adapt to whatever genre fascinates them, Araki has turned his considerable chops to mastering the Irish flute. On his debut CD, he has surrounded himself with some of the Northwest's finest young sidemen and women. He gives a wonderful rhythmic spin to the trans-Atlantic chestnut "Reynardine," and does the same for "Jock O'Hazeldean," arranged for guitar and bass by Araki and Zak Borden. Araki's flute playing ranges from fiery ("The Devils of Dublin") to sweet ("Bocht Agus Sona") and shows his complete mastery of Irish flute style. My favorite moment in this CD, however, is his and vocalist Nancy Conescu's arrangement of the song "The Boys of Barr Na Sride." We need to hear more from Araki ... and soon!"
-- SingOut!
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"His singing is great! and great care is taken with each tune and song..."
-- Niamh Parsons
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Hanz Araki
The next generation of Trad music --- "New. Fresh. Brill."
Irish flute player Hanz Araki is the quintessential world music musician. He has performed around the world with Irish music groups such as the Juno Award-winning Paperboys and the "sexed up" fiddle duo, The Bridies, is featured on more than a dozen recordings and soundtracks, including a Japanese video game, and tours frequently in Japan.
He is a favorite performer at festivals across the United States, from the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle to the Milwaukee Irish Festival to celtic Connections in Glasgow, Scotland. As one concert promoter said of Hanz’s performance: "His music transports me to some distant place and holds me there for an entire performance. Hanz Araki is a modern-day master of the Irish flute and he incorporates subtle elements into his playing style so that it never grows stale, no matter how many times I hear it." (Norm Johnson, Seattle-area concert promoter)
While his love is Irish music, his deep roots are in the shakuhachi, the traditional bamboo "Zen flute" of Japan. Hanz (short for Hanzaburo) is the world’s only sixth generation shakuhachi player, following in the footsteps of his father, Kinko Ryu Grand Master Kodo Araki V. With no prior musical training, Hanz took up the shakuhachi at age 17. Under his father’s tutelage, four months later he made his concert debut in Shimoneski, Japan. He went on to teach shakuhachi at Keio University for two years before moving back to his hometown of Seattle in 1991.
There, his American mother’s Gaelic roots came into play, and he began teaching himself simple Irish and Scottish tunes on the flute and whistle. As he puts it, "This was to be my undoing." He soon fell in with the lively Irish music scene in Seattle, inspired by the world class players there.
Hanz went on to tour internationally with The Paperboys and The Casey Neill Trio, and in 2004 released an album of traditional Scottish and Irish music with a fresh new slant, "Six of One, Five of the Other." It has been favorably received by fans and Irish music aficionados with comments such as "What a great piece of business this is. Araki has a perfect voice for the songs, and is a wonderful, wonderful flute player. New. Fresh. Brill." (Bill Margeson, www.liveireland.com)
reviews
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My new 'road trip' CD
author: Shawna ReppertI usually don't have anyone riding shotgun to change CDs on long road trips, so I have to really, really like a CD to put it in the player, knowing that I'll have to listen to it over and over until I stop for coffee. This CD made it right to the top of my road trip list. Wonderful vocals and flute, great traditional music.
Just as good live
author: SorcharoseSaw these wonderful musicians live at the White Eagle in Portland. There and then I had to buy the CDs for myself and friends. This is some of the best morning-before-work music.
How does he do it?
author: KurtIt is hard to believe, but I believe that this album is better than his last one. He has managed to take a traditional music form, approach it with skill and grace, and put his own stamp on it. Using a simple six holed Irish flute and whistles, he manages a virtuosity rarely approached but the most amazing thing is his tone. Amazing! Oh, and this guy can really sing!.... What's next? I can hardly wait.
Highly recommended!
author: StuThis is another great album from Hanz Araki. I got into this music when a friend lent me a previous album by them (no idea of the name of it - can't find it on the internet either!). But this album is just as good! Keep it going - hope to get over to Seattle to see u live 1 day!
lively dance tunes, warm vocals, a great collection of songs
author: CherylIt's always a good sign when a recording causes you to jump up and start dancing around the room. The first time I heard An Tua's 6 of One Five of the Other I did just that. This CD combines gently energetic Irish jigs, reels and other instrumental dance pieces with heartfelt vocal tunes. Hanz Araki's mastery of flutes and whistles and his warm and natural vocal style make this recording a true delight. He's joined by a group of excellent musicians who are not only technically solid but also responsive and expressive. 6 of One Five of the Other has quickly become a favorite - now in heavy rotation on my CD player!
- author: kaili
This CD warms the winter air. It's perfect for rainy afternoons curled up on the couch, or for evenings gathered around a fireplace with friends.
- author: Katie Burke
An Tua should be proud - They did a great job with this album. It hasn't left my stereo since I bought it four months ago. You don't have to be a fan of Irish music to appreciate this album. Every song is a delight; wonderful music, beautiful vocals. I have just one bad thing to say: it isn't long enough. If you don't have it, buy it. If you do have it, buy it for someone else!
Enchanting
author: AndyThis is the first CD I look for at the end of a long day, and is a must for any lover of Irish music. Lead by Hanz Araki's enchanting voice and brilliant flute playing this CD is an incredible blending of beautiful voices and amazingly talented musicians who's passion for Irish music shine through on every track!
Truly heartmoving
author: Clara Aznar RosWe're moved by this album here in Barcelona as well! Congratulations to the artist and guests for this piece of art, clear and beautiful playing and singing... as usual!!;)
- author: Julie
Beautiful vocals and amazing flute playing by Hanz Araki. Talented musicianship throughout this tradional Irish CD consisting of an exceptional blend of instruments and a great selection of songs. This CD is a must for those who appreciate great Irish music!!!
- author: Julie
Beautiful vocals and amazing flute playing by Hanz Araki. Talented musicianship throughout this tradional Irish CD consisting of an exceptional blend of instruments and a great selection of songs. This CD is a must for those who appreciate great Irish music!!!
Really Great!
author: Searlait WildwoodIf your into Celtic music this CD is a must. If you're new to the genre this should be at the top of your must have list. Good selection and great artists. The real thing!
Fantastic tunes and songs
author: Jaque BardeauxEvery track is a winner. The arrangements are fresh and the additions by all players is soulful and energetic. Hanz Araki's vocals soar and his flute playing is virtuosic but preserves the integity of the tunes. A must have for any fan of Irish music and it will appeal to any fan of just damn fine acoustic music. Get it.