Roots and Rhythm

Discover the Artists

An exploration of Japanese, Indian, Latin and Jazz fusion

SHAKUHACHI & GHATAM IN DIALOGUE

Between bamboo and clay

Two masters in conversation

Japan and South India in musical exchange

John Kaizan Neptune

Shakuhachi virtuoso, Japan

Giridhar Udupa,

Master of South Indian ghatam

A musical friendship carried across decades, cultures, and generations.

For years my father spoke about returning to the stage with Udupa. Helping bring these performances together feels deeply personal; a continuation of a musical friendship that has shaped our family for decades.

Nearly all of the music you'll hear will be my father's original compositions: pieces that draw from jazz, Latin rhythms, Indian and African percussion, and traditional Japanese melody, woven into a world-fusion sound that is immediately, unmistakably his own.

Japan and India both carry profound musical histories and philosophies, and creating spaces where these sounds can resonate across cultures is part of what gives this collaboration so much meaning to us. It's an honor to finally share this dream with audiences who care deeply about tradition, innovation, and cultural exchange. Beyond genres, beyond words… some music simply has to be experienced live.

Be warned: you may also hear some of my father’s famed puns between performances.

We're deeply grateful for the warmth and support this project has already received, and we look forward to sharing these magical moments with you this summer.

— David Neptune