East meets West, traditional Zen music meets Jazz. In 2004 Shakuhachi player Taro Matsumoto and Jazz pianist Roger Walch started to perform together and instantly found an unexplored musical niche. The fascinating and unusual combination of Japanese bamboo flute and piano proved to be a success. Both the Japanese and the Western audience were enthusiastic. The duo’s repertoire is an interesting mixture of Japanese traditionals, selected Jazz standards and powerful original compositions. Taro Matsumoto and Roger Walch have been giving concerts all over Japan, performing in jazz-clubs, concert halls and temples. In summer 2006 they completed a very successful concert tour through Switzerland. Their acoustic music is emotional, playful and expressive. It fits not only in a music-club, but also in a church or in an art exhibition.

Taro Matsumoto and Roger Walch have released two albums on Japanese label Stubborn Record: “Live” (2006) and “Immortal Remains” (2008).

For their live concerts they are sometimes joined by trombone player Yoichiro Suzuki and percussionist Ayuko Ikeda.

Contact & booking:   rowalch (at) yahoo.co.jp

Biographical Notes for Roger Walch (Piano)

Born in 1965 in St. Gallen (Switzerland). Master's degree from the University of Zurich in Japanese studies and social anthropology. Piano training in the comprehensive department of the St. Gallen Jazz School. 15 years of activity as keyboarder/composer in Switzerland and Germany. Released two CDs with his jazz band "Right or Wrong" on a Swiss label and won the Marlboro New Talents Award Switzerland 1994. Relocated to Kyoto in March of 1998. Lecturer at Doshisha University and above all active in Japan as musician and filmmaker. Composed and recorded music for a TV-commercial for Hotel Granvia Kyoto (2000). Musical collaboration and CD recordings with Japanese guitarist Nishimura Tetsuya under the name of “Fish Heart”(2002 - 2004). Since 2004: Collaboration with Shakuhachi Player Matsumoto Taro.

Roger won the “Creative Prize” at the 1st Internet Piano Concours Japan 2008:

http://www.piacon.net/prize2008_1.html

Homepage of Roger Walch: http://www.rowmuse.com

Biographical Notes for Taro Matsumoto (Shakuhachi)

Born in 1973 in Nara (Japan). Studied Shakuhachi with Toshimitsu Ishikawa and Riley Lee. Solo Concerts all over Japan. Published three CDs with well known Japanese combo “Shamion” (1998 – 2004). Taro Matsumoto belongs to the so called Komuso Shakuhachi School, which was founded by travelling Zen-monks in the 15th century. Matsumoto’s repertoire includes the classic honkyoku compositions used for Zen meditation. But he feels equally at home in modern music and Jazz. Matsumoto’s play is both emotional and dynamic and conveys a deep spirituality. He often performs in Japanese temples and shrines. Since 2004: Musical collaboration with Roger Walch.

Homepage of Taro Matsumoto: http://tarou.yamagomori.com/live.html