Duality Dance

Music has always been present, but acknowledging the innate gift and talent came later when I developed a passion for flutes and saxophone.  Self-taught, a personal sound emerged and an openness and creativity were discovered in myself.

I was blessed to work and tour with legendary jazz artists - drummer Eddie Moore, violinist Michael White, and pianist Andrew Hill, literally learning to play and develop while performing live on stage with them.  Their encouragement, belief, support, generosity, and friendship deepened an understanding in my musical path, widened horizons, and bestowed a legacy of creativity, originality, and spontaneity.

Taiko and Gagaku provided an opportunity to explore and develop an appreciation for my Japanese heritage through its music.  I started with Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, studied Gagaku with Suenobu Togi, and later founded Shasta Taiko and ShastaYama in rural California’s Mount Shasta with fellow taiko artist and life partner Jeanne Mercer.

Being a jazz improviser and taiko artist is already an odd balance of duality that may be a reflection on living today in two or more worlds – tradition/modern, form/freedom, mind/heart, east/west.

As a saxophonist, I never imagined that I’d be involved not only with taiko, but with establishing and developing a successful annual outdoor taiko and music festival at the base of majestic Mount Shasta.  Named ShastaYama, the festival’s visions are to create a quality platform to feature a wide variety of musicians and taiko artists by encouraging original works while honoring the traditions.

The musical ensemble TADAIMA, is a continuation on the creative path encouraged and inspired by mentors and fellow artists.  TADAIMA features original compositions in the improvisational music tradition

- Russel Baba