Video and photographs by John Brassil.

Tatsuya Nakatani mesmerised the audience at Zeitgeist Gallery on Saturday, December 4^th with his visceral experimental percussion. For podcast 43, we bring you his entire set from that evening and also the Theatre Intangible live improv that followed: Pulse. Pulse features Tatsuya and the other bands on the lineup that night: Bluff Duo (Brady Sharp and David Maddox) and LYLAS (Kelli Shay Hix, Kyle Hamlett, Ben Marcantel, and Amy Blackburn Simon, also of Forrest Bride). Both sets are amazing! You can hear Brady Sharp perform on these two fine Theatre Intangible episodes. Kelli Shay Hix and Kyle Hamlett recently appeared on the improv Stone & Stream. Look for a Dave Maddox episode to come soon. I also recorded the Bluff Duo and LYLAS sets from the Zeitgest evening. I’ll post those soon as well.

Japanese-born experimental percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani connects with his instruments in a way like I’ve never before seen. He extracts every ounce of musicality out of his gongs, singing bowls, bells, cymbals, drums, handmade bows, and other devices. His performances are an extremely visceral affair. You really get the sense that his instruments are extensions of him. Seeing him live is a cathartic and almost spiritual experience.

At the improv’s end, Tatsuya announced that he expected the improv to be “here,” putting his hand near his chest, but that it turned out to be “here,” putting his hand high above his head. I for one agree.

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ABOUT TATSUYA NAKATANI:

Tatsuya Nakatani (percussion) is originally from Osaka, Japan. In 2006 he performed in 80 cities in 7 countries and collaborated with 163 artists worldwide. In the past 10 years he has released nearly 50 recordings on CD.

He has created his own instrumentation, effectively inventing many instruments and extended techniques. He utilizes drumset, bowed gongs, cymbals, singing bowls, metal objects, bells, and various sticks and bows to create an intense, organic music that defies category or genre. His music is based in improvised/ experimental music, jazz, free jazz, rock, and noise, yet retains the sense of space and beauty found in traditional Japanese folk music.

In addition to live solo and ensemble performances he works as a sound designer for film and television. He also teaches Masterclasses and Workshops at the University level. He also heads H&H Production, an independent record label and recording studio based in Easton, Pennsylvania. He was selected as a performing artist for the Pennsylvania Performing Artist on Tour (PennPat) roster as well as a Bronx Arts Council Individual Artist grant.

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