URAKAJI

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Sean was visiting Okinawa last September (2003) and met the legendary Rinken Teruya of Rinken Band fame. Upon hearing Sean play one of his solo pieces (Coming Home) Rinken san sent him home with the complete catalogue of Rinken Band CDs - all 24 of them - with instructions to select 10 songs and come back with solo guitar arrangements to make a CD!

Urakaji ("breeze/wind over Urasoe Village") is Harkness's first completely SOLO guitar CD. 10 of the 12 songs were composed by Rinken san and arranged by Sean, the other 2 are Sean's original compositions. This recording reflects the spontaneity of Rinken - all live takes, no edits! - and the magical spirit of Rinken's Okinawa, as told by Sean's guitar. (see pics and news for more)

Guitars used are steel string acoustic (thanks to David Ralston), a nylon string classical acoustic (thanks to Takako Suzuki), and Sean's Fender Subsonic electric baritone guitar.

"Sean has so far composed many musical works with full-scale arrangements ...his artful and beautiful harmony [also hides] a big charm as music of the calm healing system. Here Sean, who plays an active part in New York, added international flavor to the music of Rinken. Whether familiar with Rinken's music or not, I want the people to let their body feel the [breeze/wind] of his fingerstyle guitar playing."

Song titles:

1. Urakaji　浦風

2. Eisa Medleyエイサーメドレー

3. Chimuni Kakati肝にかかてぃ

4. Drive　ドライブ

5. Tyn nu Kagan　天ぬ鏡

6. Orinasu Hibi　織りなす日々

7. Kanpaii/Arigatou 乾杯さびら/ありがとう

8.Coming Homeカミングホーム

9. Umi tu Shima　海とぅ島

10. ZAN　ザン

11. Kalahaii Sunrise　カラハイサンライズ

12. Funayare　ふなやれ

Reviews:

“This guy flies on those acoustic-guitar strings. Cleanly articulated lines and technical mastery are just the beginning… he expresses power and passion with soft touch and meaningful glances… heart stopping!” - Jazziz Magazine

“Light as a breeze, the gentle airs and perky melodies propelled by acoustic guitars… sprightly arrangements that bounce and lift moods… others that stir the autumn leaves into a colorful melancholy sort of place. You will never be out of touch with the fingerstyle guitar as the definer of all the melodies and the one that sets the sails for the winds to catch on”. – New Age Voice

“His fleet-fingered, spindly acoustic style… draws form a variety of world beat influences… Harkness delivers rootsy, upbeat melodies. His versatility allows for both fluid, deep-toned romanticism and sharply cornered percussive licks – yet resonates with a unified message of freedom”. – Jazz Times

“He makes his instrumental debut – featuring a variety of influences, including Latin, Classical, Jazz and Celtic music”. - Billboard

I... bought "Trio Of One". I have to tell you that I had my doubts (because I associate folks who record on Windham Hill with New Age, and that is not my kind of music 99% of the time). But your music isn't New Age-y, it's just terrific. I'm enjoying "Trio of One" tremendously. Whether acoustic or electric, you do fine work. - Elizabeth Templeton (customer)

"Why don't you get people this good to play here at NIGHT?!"
- some guy outside Lou's Cottage Hotel in Mendon, NY