Ronnie (RIP 6/17)

by Stephen Scholle

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about

Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin was my shakuhachi teacher for 30 years. He died in the spring of 2017. He was 69. Ronnie brought the shakuhachi to the United States in the late 1970s. He taught this traditional bamboo flute of Japan from then until his death. His was the largest dojo for the instrument outside of Japan. He was my friend.

Just me. Voice, fretless bass, shakuhachi. Produced with Fred Gillen, Jr.

lyrics

You've changed...

Your laughing eyes would greet me
Like an inside joke
Co-conspirators we
You poured us cups of tea

You were an is
You're now a was ...
It takes my breath away

Bamboo pipes
Our singing flutes...
Reaching deep
And then real low
Deep and low
Achingly so

The singing notes
Breathed like water over
Singing rocks
To rest in tidal pools

Studious reading
Those inky notes
Ancient learning on an ancient trail
A samurai training on a samurai train
Until one day
We began to fly

Deep sensations these

You were an is
And now you're not ...
It takes my breath away

What can I say
Ronnie dear
You came to life
So clear and laughing
And then you went away
Wise-cracker you
Then you went away

You took my breath with you friend...
And then you went away

credits

released October 13, 2017

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about

Stephen Scholle Hartsdale, New York

Picked up guitar in 1967. Began writing songs in 09 after a breakup. TY to Fred Gillen, Burr Johnson, Peter Calo and the Ashokan music community for supporting my passion. I write from the chord voicings and I write from the voice inside. Some songs channel moments. Sometimes words just sound good. I like to let the song speak and I like to work with others on that. If you'd like, get in touch. ... more

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