CURRENT EVENTS
BOOK PUBLICATION
In March 2024, Jim Franklin's book 'Densokugaku: Shakuhachi, Composition, Electronics' was published in England by Vision Edition. In this book, Jim Franklin describes his path between composition (particularly with live-electronics) and Shakuhachi; he analyses classical pieces (honkyoku) as well as his own compositions, primarily from the CD 'Songs from the Lake'. He also offers thoughts about the nature of the music of the shakuhachi as meditation. The book can be ordered here.
YouTube-Channel von Jim Franklin
Jim Franklin has established his own YouTube-Channel. This channel presents mainly his new compositions for shakuhachi, especially with live electronics, although some earlier and classical pieces can be heard there.
The channel can be found here. (https://www.youtube.com/ @Jim_Franklin_Shakuhachi_Modern/videos
Recent CDs by Jim Franklin
'Trees, Stones, Water, Sand', an Ambient/World Music album by Michael Atherton, Jon Drummond, Jim Franklin and Tony Wheeler, für diverse instruments, including shakuhachi, was released in January 2021. This album is only available in download and streaming formats, and can be purchased at BandCamp.
'Songs from the Lake', the long-anticipated CD by Jim Franklin for shakuhachi and live electronics, was released on December 4, 2020. The CD can be ordered from NEOS Music.
Concert videos
Jim Franklin, Hiroko Sugino, 24. 11. 2018
On 24. 11. 2018, Jim Franklin and Hiroko Sugino performed a (non-classical) concert at the Theremin Academy Lippstadt 2018: shakuhachi * 2, live electronics * 2 und theremin * 1 (2 musicians). A complete video recording of the concert can be found here (https://youtu.be/Aw11FMeJo08).
Jim Franklin, Karen Schlimp, Margarete Wenzel, 20. 01. 2019
On 20. 01. 2019, a recitation-concert, 'Der Meister der Teezeremonie' ('The Tea Ceremony Master') was performed in the Tae Kwon Do Studio Wolfmayr in Linz (Austria) by Jim Franklin (shakuhachi), Karen Schlimp (prepared piano) and Margarete Wenzel (narrator). The text is in German. A complete video recording of the concert can be found here (https://youtu.be/O24swuDhE6Y).
ABOUT JIM FRANKLIN
Dr Jim Franklin is a master performer of the shakuhachi, as well as a composer.
He studied the shakuhachi with Riley Lee in Sydney, and Furuya Teruo and Yokoyama Katsuya in Tokyo.
In 1996 he received the title "Shihan" (Master) from Yokoyama-sensei. He is one of the few non-Japanese,
and the very few residents of Europe, to have received this high title.
In 2018 he was Programme Director of the World Shakuhachi Festival in London.
He lived in Germany from 2004 to 2021, emigrating to Japan on April 2021.
TEACHING
Jim Franklin is a qualified teacher of shakuhachi, in the lineage of Yokoyama Katsuya. He offers online instruction for beginners and advanced players. Face-to-face lessons are also available in Japan (dependent upon any COVID19- or other restrictions which may be in effect).
Teaching news:
Although he no longer lives in Europe, Jim Franklin still continues to contribute behind-the-scenes to KSK Europe. Further information about activities of KSK Europe can be found here.