Akio Suzuki - Stone (Berliner Künstlerprogramm des DAAD, 1994)

These recordings, released along with a book by the same title, feature Akio Suzuki on the iwabue, a stone flute that has spanned several generations with his family. The stone is covered in naturally sculpted holes which produce a variety of tones when blown on. Evidence dating as far back as the 15th century cite the holed stone as a defender against nightmares and witchcraft. For the majority of the pieces, Suzuki crafts slowly evolving cycles built on largely continuous sound with the occasional trill as he alternates between openings. Additionally, there are some percussion pieces wherein Suzuki both slides and rapidly dances the stone against various surfaces.

Stone