The way Jim Franklin combines the traditional Japanese bamboo flute shakuhachi with modern live electronics is unique. In addition to the latest studio technology, synthesizers and various instruments are used, such as the theremin – one of the oldest electronic instruments of all.

The works themselves are semi-composed, structured improvisations: a precomposed form in which the “signposts” and turning points are clearly defined, but the exact “route” through the piece is created anew with each performance. Despite all the complexity, Franklin recorded them alone, mostly in continuous takes.

“Songs from the Lake” is, as the title suggests, inspired by water. Franklin is fascinated by images in nature where the overall form is more or less static, but the details are constantly changing. The Buddhist view of water as an image of the spirit is also important to him.

Jim Franklin first studied composition and musicology in Australia, Germany and Holland. In 1986 he discovered the Shakuhachi and learned the instrument from Dr. Riley Lee, Furuya Teruo and Yokoyama Katsuya. In 1996 he received the title of Shihan (Master) from Yokoyama-sensei. From 2006 to 2009 he was founding chairman of the European Shakuhachi Society. In 2018 he was a main organizer of the World Shakuhachi Festival in London.