Minoru Muraoka

Japanese Shakuhachi Jazz Fusion Pioneer

Minoru Muraoka was a Japanese shakuhachi player known for his innovative fusion of traditional Japanese music with modern jazz elements. The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute, and Muraoka's mastery of this instrument allowed him to bridge the gap between different musical worlds. Throughout his career, he worked with various musicians and explored different genres, contributing to his reputation as a pioneer in world music. His album "Bamboo," released in 1970, is particularly notable for its blend of Eastern and Western sounds, featuring covers of contemporary songs as well as original compositions. This album has since gained a cult following among fans of jazz and rare groove for its unique sound and Muraoka's virtuosic playing.