Patrick Shiroishi, known for his work with The Armed and Fuubutsushi, embarks on a captivating solo journey with his latest release, “I was too young to hear silence.” This solo saxophone exploration takes listeners on an experimental and contemplative ride, demonstrating the profound beauty of the silence between musical notes.
Recorded in a single improvised take in a Monterey Park parking structure during the late hours of a warm night, “I was too young to hear silence” is a testament to the power of the saxophone. Shiroishi, armed with nothing more than a saxophone, a glockenspiel, two microphones, and a zoom recorder, crafted a mesmerizing composition that highlights the saxophone’s rich tonality and its interaction with reverb and ambient sounds.
The album’s intentional use of silence is what sets it apart. The concept of “Ma,” a Japanese term that represents the significance of negative space in art, is at the core of this record. Shiroishi deliberately allows space between the saxophone notes, and these pauses are not mere absences; they are vital contributions to the overall composition. Silence becomes a canvas for contemplation, leaving room for the listener to digest and reflect upon each note.
The album’s trajectory is thoughtfully structured. The opening track, “stand still like a hummingbird,” commences with a 14-second hush before the saxophone cautiously emerges. Breathy, staccato saxophone notes are interwoven with the sounds of running water, transporting the listener into the scene of a late-night cleanup.
Shiroishi’s exploration of Japanese free improvised solo saxophone records deeply informed the creation of this album. He found inspiration in recordings that featured lengthy stretches of silence, revealing the beauty in the spaces between musical expressions. This influence is apparent in “I was too young to hear silence,” where silence is as much a part of the narrative as the saxophone itself.
“I was too young to hear silence” is an honest record that embraces the power of contemplative silence in music. It’s an homage to the restrained moments between sounds, where emotion and reflection can take root. Through this composition, Patrick Shiroishi invites listeners to appreciate the music of silence and the beauty it holds.
Released alongside the second edition of Tangled, a publication featuring stories, poems, and works by Asian-American artists and musicians, “I was too young to hear silence” is a testament to Shiroishi’s ability to create profound sonic experiences.
