A servant of two masters? – Christophe Kazan/Kamei Gaston

This is the inaugural episode of the 'Markus Talks to Awesome People' series. I am talking to Christophe Kazan/Kamei Gaston. Christophe is one of very few shakuhachi players holding a shihan in two different lineages: Shin-Tozan and Chikumeisha. He is also the creator of Chikumeisha France, probably only the second official school-specific shakuhachi organisation in Europe. We cover a wide range of topics: The differences in his shakuhachi lineages, the role of iemoto in traditional Japanese music schools, and the influence of singing on shakuhachi playing and teaching methods. The conversation delves into the organizational structure of the Shin-Tozan and Chikumeisha schools, highlighting the similarities and differences. We explore the process of obtaining shakuhachi diplomas (shihan), the influence of modern music on shakuhachi, the value of studying shakuhachi in Japan, the second generation of shakuhachi players in Europe, the connection between shakuhachi and Zen, and the concept of 'Ma' in shakuhachi playing. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:07 Introducing Christophe 00:05:51 How did you start? 00:09:56 Learning Tozan style 00:15:53 The Tozan schools 00:18:08 The iemoto system 00:22:57 Artist's name 00:27:52 Learning Chikumeisha style 00:32:50 Chikumeisha France & Japan 00:37:43 A servant of two masters? 00:40:06 Why shihans? 00:49:45 Comparing the styles 00:58:10 Trance music 01:05:57 Improvisation & sound scapes 01:08:42 Tradition & future 01:16:51 Studying shakuhachi in Japan 01:22:29 Shakuhachi & Zen 01:34:54 Christophe's question: Ma 01:46:21 Wrapping up Support me on Patreon!   / markusguhe   Subscribe to my email list! http://markusguhe.net/newsletter.php 🎵 Listen to my music Bandcamp – https://markusguhe.bandcamp.com/ Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4saRu... Apple Music –   / markus-guhe   SoundCloud –   / markus-guhe   CD – http://markusguhe.net/samazama.php 🎓 Lessons http://markusguhe.net/teaching.php 🌐 Follow me Facebook -   / markusguhemusic   Instagram -   / markusguhe   Twitter -   / markusguhe   Email List - http://markusguhe.net/newsletter.php 🏠 Homepage http://markusguhe.net/ #shakuhachi #KSK #chikumeisha #shintozan