Thomas between takes

Michael Frei lays down the sax

Jenny recording

Jenny and Takumi in the studio

TenGooz in the woods! @Capio Hall

Busy we are! Four Tengooz and guitarist Thomas Mayer have joined forces to create and perform the music to Ki no Ballad, or as I translate it- Ballad in Wood.
It has not been easy trying to blend narration, projected images, sculpture, dance and music, but the show went quite well and should be much better for our next performance on the 22nd.
We have gotten lots of positive comments on the music, and we hope that the extra two weeks will give us the time to pull everything together and create something really special.
Its a great thrill and satisfaction to have Jenny sing our songs. She is truly STAR material with her rivetting stage presence and almost uncontainable passion.
We will be recording tommorow night and hope to have CDs ready for next Friday nights show as there have been some inquiries about getting the music which we perform in the show.

In the picture sent to us by Dan, you can see the general merriment which we whipped up in the 3rd act of the show. Lots of kids,parents and seniors romping on the stage. What could be better!

Avi Landau

pic from Dan - hope it is the same one!

Something Smells Fishy-Its Setsubun!

Most of the world cultures that I can think of have (or had)　their own special ways of keeping evil spirits at bay,　or even better,far away. Japan is probably the industrialized　country with its traditional demon-fighting repetoire most intact. One of the most important and popular of the occassions on which excorcisms are appropriate is SETSUBUN(節分)usually celebrated on February 3rd, the day before the first day of spring(risshun(立春).The main technique used is bean-throwing(豆まき）,highly effective and plenty of fun!

Usually,Dad wears a demon(oni)mask,easilly purchased at any convenience store, and the kids procede to pelt him with dried soy beans(from packets available at the same stores).While they do this,they shout-oni wa soto!
Fuku wa uchi!(Evil out, Good Fortune in!)This is done at the entance to the house, and then in the other rooms. When the beans are all used up, they are gathered up and each family member usually eats the same number of beans as his/her age.Beans can also be offered to the Shinto
and Buddhist altars.

This ceremony remains one of the most popular of the traditional evil fighting customs and you can enjoy the ceremony in various forms at temples and shrines throughout Japan as well as on
TV(you might catch a scene of sumo wrestlers in masks being pelted by excited kids).

One of the other techniques of keeping evil away in this season has not fared as well as the bean throwing. Im refering to hiiragi（ヒイラギ）, the holly and dried sardine amulets which in not very former times would adorn the entranceways of most houses in this area.

Since holly has thorned leaves, it was thought to repel demons who were afraid to get poked in the eye,and the sardines would do the same job with its unpleasant,fishy smell.
Though the use of these amulets has decreased rapidly over recent years, I have still found a few around town.

Ive also taken some pictures of SANPO, containers for soy beans made out of origami paper by nursery school kids.

Another way to celebrate SETSUBUN (or desacrate it by joining in on its commercialization) in to buy the EHO-MAKI(恵方巻き）sushi rolls which are being sold at all the convenience stores and being promoted as efficatious for bringing good fortune by pointing the roll in the properly auspicious directions.

So,There you have it. Take YOUR choice of how you want to keep EVIL away!

Avi Landau

LIVE at last,recording, and event at Capio Hall

Felicitations to all!
The TenGooz had there first gig of the year at Hot Stuff last Friday night. Lots of people came out to the show and I hope we were able to overcome the rust acquired over the long layover and please everyone.

We will also begin recording again,in earnest, this week. We will try to lay down our new ballad,which will be used in Ballad in Wood an event which will be held at Capio Hall.
We will also be putting out a remix of a song I wrote with Ascelin several years ago(autophobia).

We will also be driving out to Ishioka to Elizabeth Robless' studio to develop a feel for her sculpture instruments.
Sounds Like a busy week!

Cheers

Avi Landau

Getting ready for special event at Capio Hall

Four members of the TenGooz, Hase G, Michael Frei, A-Chan and myself(Avi) will be making the music at Capio Hall as part of Contemporary artist Elizabeth Robless'multi-media happening-Ballad In Wood.

The interesting thing is that we will mostly to musicating on sculptures which Elizabeth has created especially for the occassion. Much of what happens will be improvised, so we are looking forward to two very adventurous evenings.

I was first drawn into the singular world of Elizabeth Robless' artistic vision several months ago while on my way to the library, which happens to be located in the same building as The Tsukuba Art Museum.
Just as I was about to walk through the doors that lead to the books, I gave a glance to my right. What i saw stopped me in my tracks. I stood and gazed down the long, narrow corridor leading
to the exhibition hall where Elizabeth's works beckoned me to enter, which I did.

I cant recall now what I had wanted to study at the library on that day, but I will long remember what I came upon there in the art museums inner-sanctum.

For that show Elizabeth had turned the gallery into a magical forest, reflecting her powerful inner-light and visions. Darkly hued wooden planks, boards and posts of various sizes,which she had shaped and embellished upon, sometimes ringed by carefully placed pebbles, were arranged on the walls, floor and in the air,suspended from the ceiling.I could at once feel the time,energy and passion that went into the creation of these pieces.

I also found that her works inspired music in me, with many of them looking like newly invented, still-unnamed instruments, begging to have sounds coaxed out of them.It was difficult NOT to beat,tap, or scratch them.

Of course, I was not the only one to get excited. Dance artist Mako Karasawa visited the show on another day and simply could not control her urges. She began to dance among the pieces.
Elizabeth took the cue and started to improvise an acompaniment on various sculpture-instruments.Many of the visitors then present joined in. It was a magical and cathartic moment for everyone there.

It was also the inspiration for the upcomming events.

Feb. 8 and 22
Capio Hall

Hope to see you there.

Back in action! Coming of Age Day!

New Years Greetings to all you TenGoophiles out there!
Im glad to inform you that we are back in action and FULLY ENERGIZED after the rather lengthy holiday layoff that we had.
We had an invigorating and encouraging practice session thursday night and we are revved up and ready to go for next Friday nights gig at Hot Stuff.
With other news, my young cousin Noam is in Tokyo on business and I gave him a whirlwind tour of the Eastern Capital (Tokyo). Luckilly for him, that day was Coming-Of-Age-Day in Japan, the day on which all 20 year olds celebrate their official entrance into adulthood.They do this by dressing up and attending a ceremony at the city office etc.
Later most of these youngstersgo out and party for the first time(legally)!

These are some of the happy New Adults we ran into on that day.

Avi Landau

New Years Decorations Go Up In Smoke

In Japan seasonal decorations are not simply thrown in the garbage. They are disposed of respect at a ceremony called dondo-yaki. This usually takes place in the middle of January when it is time to take down all the New Years decorations.
I attended such a ceremony which took place near my house ( a place where the TenGooz have enjoyed many a barbecue) on a frosty and windy Sunday morning.
The first point of interest was that now there are restrictions on what type of gargage can or cannot be burned so all bundles grought for incineration on that day were checked, in a way reminiscent of airport security, for any plastics etc.
The decorations, consisting of sacred ropes, wreaths and last years daruma dolls were piled high in a teepee shape. This was done under the careful supervision of the fire department.

Then you could go to the reception desk and recieve a free omochi-rice cake and a very long slender bamboo pole.

It is believed that eating mochi roasted in the heat of the dondoyaki guarranties good health for whole year!

The firemen doused the pile with kerosene and set off the blaze. Fire is always fascinating and the crowd gathered round it were mezmerized by the flames, all holding their long rods with rice cakes at the tips like an army all primed to roast marshmellows.

When the fire burned down everyone stuck their mochi in, and I must say it was deelish!

To the rescue! Please join our efforts!

The birds will be coming soon,in great abundance. Flocks of migrators will surely be in need of some rest during their amazing journey, and historically they have found this on and around Lake Kasumigaura in Ibaraki Prefecture.
This year,thousands of weary travellers will be caught in deadly nets, which are literally protecting nothing, as the lotus roots have all been harvested, and will die slow and horrific deaths,dangling for days by a wing or a leg.

Now it is January and there are much fewer birds than will soon be arriving. Everyday however, some are being caught. Maurice,Dr. Kasuga and I found hundreds, mostly dead, in just a few fields. Looking towards the horizon we saw hundreds more.

We brought gear and began freeing all the birds which still had life in them. This did not amount to much, in terms of number, but it did feel good to get them off the nets and set them on the lake.

Please contact us if you would like to join us.

We need lots more volunteers.

Thanks

Avi Landau

Two-Legged Daikon Radish and Dosojin-A Local Custom

Let me tell you about a fascinating local custom,since the band is still in a new Year hiatus.
It involves FUTAMATA-DAIKON(二股大根),which is the Japanese term for a double-pronged daikon radish. These two-legged curiosities turn up at a surprisingly high rate when farmers harvest their daikon crop in late autumn.The abberant shapes are caused by small rocks,hard clumps of soil or fertilizer,insects, or uneven distribution of irrigation water.
The futamata daikon cannot be found on sale in stores or stalls , and in fact, though perfectly edible, they are traditionally NOT eaten. When I asked several local farmers why this was so, they all came out with the same response, in tones implying that I shouldnt have had to ask
such a question-we dont eat them because they look like peoples legs!
Due to this resemblance to the lower half of the human body, local farmers show reverence and do not simply discard these unsellable roots which are not to be eaten, for it is believed that the disrespect of doing so would bring on leg or foot trouble.
What is done then with these significantly shaped vegetables?

In Tsukuba, the rest of Ibaraki Prefecture and in some outlying areas farmers offer the futamata daikon to a type of sekibutsu(sacred stone) called a dosojin(道祖神),the protector of travellers, roads and the entrance to villages. I suppose that I dont have to point out the
connection between travel and legs(oops, I just did!).locals leave futamata daikon and a variety of foot-wear(anything from straw sandals to sneakers) in front of the dosojin to pray for healthy legs feet and lower back.

This week I have found and photographed dozens of plump and juicy offerings which are rustically photogenic.They will be left exposed to the elements and as the weeks go by they will become the dried out and scrawny shadows that you might find next summer.

Let me make one very important point clear.Though the offering of futamata daikon to dosojin is a VERY localized custom and unfamiliar to most Japanese, dosojin stones are generally known and found throughout Japan. They are most famous in Nagano Prefecture, especially around the beautiful town of Azumino.

These dosojin,however, look completely different from most of their Ibaraki counterparts and also have a totally different significance. The typical image of the dosojin is a stone carving of a loving couple, set on the roadside.Making offerings to them can be efficacious for matchmaking and fertility.In Tsukuba almost all the dosojin I have found are simple stones with only the characters 道祖神　engraved on them.
In Dejima and Yasato I have found very special dosojin with graven images of a single one-legged man.This shows further how in this area these sekibutsu are associated with legs and feet.

If you put in some leg work you might be able to find examples of this custom. You`ll be able to get some great pictures.
I'm not pulling your leg!

Tantric Fire Ritual-Midnight-New Years Eve

Hi, TenGooz fans! Our members have all gone their separate ways for the New Year.
Here is an article Ive written about a very special way to spend New Years Eve in Tsukuba.

When a living organism or seed is carried by winds,ocean currents or an animal host to a new and distant environment, it might fail to take to the unfamiliar surroundings and perish.
On the other hand, there is some chance that it might take root in its new home and maybe even flourish.

The same holds true for the seeds of culture.It can probably be said that the mechanisms determining the success or failure of cultural transmission are even more complex than they are in the biological sphere.

Among the various types of vessels which can transport the spores of culture beyond their original boundaries we can note invading armies, caravans of merchants, and very often, highly
influential individuals.

One such outstanding figure,Kukai(known commonly in Japan by his posthumous Buddhist name-Kobo Daishi弘法大師),was single-handedly responsible for introducing to Japan certain ancient Tantric rites which originated in India more than 3000 years ago.
These practices were carried across the Himalayas, and over the centuries spread throughout South-East Asia and also ,puzzlingly, in Confucian China, whose cultural background would seem to have been hostile soil for most subcontinental concepts.

It was in the Tang Chinese capital of Chang-An in 804 AD that Kukai came into contact with the Master of Esoteric Buddhism,Huikuo(Keika,in Japanese), who believed that the Japanese monk was destined to bring the ancient Indian teachings to distant Japan where they would come into full bloom.

And this he certainly did,in the form of Shingon Buddhism,which has had an impact on almost every aspect of Japanese culture.

This New Years Eve, if you are curious, patient, and impervious to the bitter cold,you can experience first-hand, one of the most important Tantric rituals brought to Japan by Kukai,
the Homa fire ritual,or as it is known in Japan-Goma Taki(護摩焚き).
There is no more impressive way to see how the cultural torch transported by Kukai continues to burn brightly.

The ritual will be performed,as it has been for centuries, at the Tofukuji Temple(東福寺)in Konda,Tsukuba.

Originally founded in 1249,this temple is worth a visit ANY TIME, for its gracefull roof and interesting carvings. Inside the Main Hall you might be surprised to find that the entire ceiling
is a large overhead Mandala,symbol of the Buddhist universe. Also,some people are excited to hear that the Jizo carving on the alter is said to have been carved by Prince Shotoku himself(hmmmm).

The best time to visit the temple ,however,is the night of December 31st, when the priest and his wife get a bon-fire going outside the main hall for visitors to keep warm by before the ceremony begins. Amazake and snacks are usually offered as well.

As it gets closer to midnight, the handfull of locals
who show up start getting edgy from the cold and the excitement.
When the priest opens the doors to the Hall, I would recommend
grabbing a seat near one of the kerosene heaters because
it aint much warmer inside, and the ceremony is about an hour
long.

Homa fire rituals are still still commonly practiced by Hindus for a variety of purposes including supplication for long life, wealth,world peace,good karma, etc.

At the Tofukuji Temple, the rite is carried out as a New Years blessing and purification ceremony.

As the priest creates the fire using sundry mysterious ingredients including a variety of woods, seeds and grains, his sons, chant and percuss for the shomyo incantions, which are worth coming out for in themselves.

When the fire is properly going the priest calls all visitors to burn their wish tablets(100yen) and then to apply the sacred smoke to any body parts that might need it.

When everything is over head back out to the bonfire for more amazake and treats.

If you happen to be in Tsukuba on New Years Eve, this might be the place for you to cross over into the new year. Dont forget to give a thought to kukai and his impact on Japan.

Avi Landau

Bird Rescue Underway! Six saved ,thousands to go.....

Something MUST be done about the senseless and cruel slaughter of birds in the nets around Lake kasumigaura.
And because Maurice, a Canadian living in Iwama has gotten involved , the beginnings of a volunteer rescue movement have started to germinate. Maurice is an experienced environmental activist whose approach to getting things moving is engage the farmers in friendly discussion in order to win them over to our side. Then if farmers refuse to or are not available to free birds entangled in their own fields,Maurice takes action, but strictly within the bounds of the law. He has purchased a pair of chest-high water-proof waders, and rubber gloves, and carries tools which are not used for cutting. He refuses to cut any nets in order to free birds(as the farmers themselves would do),because that could be considered an illegal act. Instead, he patiently and painstakingly untangles the ensnared wings legs and necks. He also takes precautions against bird flu by wearing a protective surgical mask. This approach is extemely time consuming,and we were only able to rescue six birds today. I felt impotent, standing on firm ground as Maurice plodded, like an astronaut on a planet with a strong gravitational pull, through the waist deep muck, slowly toiling to free the struggling survivers which he spotted with his uncanny eagle eyes.

Birds are continually being caught. Saving a handfull of birds has no effect on the big picture and our ultimate aim is to have the nets come down as soon as possible.
however, It was still extremely heartwarming and relieving to see birds that would have hung until starvation set in swim freely out into the lake.

We DEFINITELY need more people to get involved and we need more in put and ideas.

Please contact us if you are interested in making a difference and doing THE RIGHT THING.

Thanks alot

Avi Landau
and The TenGooz

Ending the Year on FIRE!

Hey there, all ye TenGooz fans!

We appreciate you being with us for our last show of the year. And quite a show it was ,too! Hoping to start at a much earlier time than usual, so those who have always wanted to catch the TenGooz LIVE but couldnt get out so late could finally see us,Hase G, Michael and I arrived ready to go at 7.
Unfortunately it would be a couple of hours before A-Chan would arrive, as he was held up by business matters, so the 3 of us gave it a go.

We played about 4 songs as a trio and then Kinchan arrived. It work out pretty well as we all percussed (I mean the band and the audience) on anything percussable nearby, making for a unique sound and plenty of good cheer!

All in all we had a really good vibe going and we all had a great time.

Michael will be back in Germany soon so we are gonna have to take a brief brake in our gig schedule.

Keep checking our schedule and hope to see you at next years first show!

Avi Landau

Hotter than ever!

Hello there TenGooz fans!
Thanks for coming out in the wee hours and heat things up at Hot Stuff on a beautiful December night and then early morning!
Early on we had a small but intimate audience and we tried out some new songs. The band really found its groove last night and Kin-chan not only dazzled with his skill, but is starting to bond with the rest of us. We had some good chemistry going.

Playing to the point of exhaustion, we still forged on with 3 encores before heading back into the rising son.

Catch this years last gig at Spitfire on the 16th.

Cheers

Avi Landau

Marathon Michael !

Hello , TenGoophiles everywhere ! I hope that all fares well with you.
We have been getting little rest these days practicing , composing,recording and performing. Michael got a chance to leap directly into the Japanese livehouse scene, joining up with Kin-Chan , A-Chan and the other members of Twisters for an all-day sunday musical bonanza which was held in an establishment called Country.

Ten bands played. twisters were on last, and hand to be there before the start for rehearsal, giving our buddies the chance to enjoy all the acts! Michael looked a bit gaunt when I showed up at 9pm and they were just about to go on.

Despite the ling wait the guys and gals of Twister put on a great show, which was followed by the post event party! It goes without saying that michael was a tad tired for the next days TenGooz practice.

Remember-this Saturday night at Spitfire!!!

TenGooz @ Hot Stuff

It was a cool autumn night outside. it the comfortable confines of Hot Stuff,though, it was a sultry summer night as the heat was turned up by Hase g, a-chan,kin-chan, Michael Frei and myself, as we were joined by a very special guest, Jean, of the Bang Boys.

The place was packed and spirits were high throughout our 3 sets.kin chan played the crowd beautifully and the Frei fans were out in abundance. Hase -G treated us with the seemingly impossible-flamenco bass! yes, thats right!

I dont think it has ever been done before. If ANYONE has seen or heard it before,please let me know.
Thanks to all of you who were there to make it an extra special evening.

Ohtani-San helps us lay down Smile!

It's great to be back in the studio again ! Especially with the skillfull engineering of Ohtani-San who is giving us a sound. hase g and A-Chan laid down the drums and bass and then put down the vocal. Michael finished things off with his sax. Now there remains the mix down and the possible addition of embellishments here and there.

The lyrics

Feels like i've met you before somewhere
another place another time
Now I've forgotten all my cares
and Im thinkin thoughts sublime

just like a zen satori
there came a flash to me
you're not only my present but my future and my history

I know it mgiht sound funny
but no matter where you flee
there's no way that you can run away from destiny

I was running crazed down a lonley road
but what seems like a million miles
but that life is all over now
and I sit 'n watch you smile

I'm learning to love again...

See you Saturday night at Hot Stuff

Avi Landau