Michael Vetter
Zen Koto
WERGO / Spectrum LP, 1986

A1. Wo? (Where?) Hier! (Here!) – 12:00
A2. Darum ?! (Therefore?!) – 11:24
B1. Jetzt… (Now…) Du: (You:) – 24:44

Improvisational koto playing is a bit of an anomaly. The instrument is steeped in so much tradition and study that you’ll rarely hear (good) improv centered around the koto. Don’t be fooled by the new agey title, this warmly recorded, spacious document is a glaring exception, a welcome diversion from the mold, and if anything, supreme evidence of how multifaceted the koto is. Though Vetter doesn’t seem (at least to these ears) a studied player, his approach to the instrument is fresh and full of wonder. Thanks Greg for passing it along!

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