The Gate

Capturing the mastery and rhythmic grace of this outstanding Japanese contemporary multi-instrumentalist, this album showcases Joji Hirota's moving, emotional vocals interwoven with his masterful taiko drumming and shakuhachi flute accented with string quintet.

Percussionist, composer, singer, flautist - Joji Hirota joyously eludes definition. Trained as a classical musician in Japan, he has now spent over half his life in England -- freely blending instruments and influences to create a music that is uniquely his own.

His flute sounds like singing, his singing sounds instrumental and his drums sound like nothing on earth.