Imagine, what would poetry sound like without words? Hiroya Tsukamoto’s guitar stylings are one response. Inspired by the melodies of nature — cascading like water over polished stones or dancing with trees in a steady breeze — Tsukamoto crafts lush soundscapes with the power to transport listener and performer alike.
Tsukamoto, a Japanese-born guitarist now at home in New York City, has made an annual visit to Carbondale for close to a decade. This began with a performance at Steve’s Guitars, has included True Nature’s Kiva and most often occurs in the intimacy of the Round Room at the Third Street Center.
What sets his upcoming visit on July 23 apart, is that, for the first time, Tsukamoto will offer a guitar technique workshop for up to 10 curious musicians. Knowledge of basic chords and a guitar to play are the only prerequisites.
“When I play shows, dozens of guitar players in the audience ask me questions after the concert,” Tsukamoto explained. This prompted him to begin incorporating teaching workshops into his touring schedule. “That’s what I’ve been doing since last year at different venues.”
Tsukamoto is committed to working with people of varying skill levels, from basic proficiency to seasoned mastery. As any musician knows, there’s always more to learn. Tsukamoto primarily focuses on teaching foundational practice strategies that have improved his playing. He considers these exercises “very important, no matter what kinds of music people play.”
“Wisdom on scales, thumb placement, tunings, improvisation and more to help players improve and expand their talents will be presented with kindness, patience and easy laughter by one of the best fingerstyle players in the world,” a promotional flyer describes. “[Tsukamoto] will demonstrate fingerstyle techniques including chords and basic theory, breaking down elements such as tone and rhythm, explaining how to apply them to a practice routine.”
In addition to nature, Tsukamoto’s textured and dreamy music is inspired by jazz artists like Pat Metheny and extensive travels throughout the United States and the world. His fifth studio album, “Rainshadow,” was recorded last August in Washington state and consists of 10 original compositions. The core concept of the album is “melody.” Tsukamoto sings on several tracks and even provides a bassline for four of the songs, borrowing a skill he developed while playing bass for a band in Japan “a long time ago.”
Tsukamoto’s musical journey began at the age of 13 when his father, a fan of bluegrass music, brought home a used banjo from a thrift store. Tsukamoto trained himself by attempting to play along with Earl Scruggs’ fast-paced “Foggy Mountain Banjo” album. For anyone unfamiliar, it’s worth a listen to appreciate the ambitions of this young musician.
In 2000, Tsukamoto received a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. He studied Spanish and South American folk music and later formed a group in Boston called INTEROCEANICO with musicians from different continents. In 2018 and 2022, Tsukamoto earned 2nd place in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship competition.
He enjoys coming to Carbondale because it’s reminiscent of his grandparents’ village in Japan. “I feel comfortable being surrounded by mountains,” he said. “I just love the landscape.” And over the years, he has made musician friends in the area, like Lisa Dancing-Light and Mateo Sandate. He hopes to deepen those relationships and spark new ones with each visit.
The workshop will cost $40 and begins at 5pm on July 23. For registration, email hiroyatsukamoto@gmail.com
The concert will cost $25 and begins at 7pm. For tickets to the concert, visit bit.ly/Tsukamoto-July23
To learn more about Tsukamoto’s music, visit hiroyatsukamoto.com
You can catch an interview and on-air performance with Tsukamoto on Everything Under The Sun, The Sopris Sun’s weekly talk show on KDNK, on July 23 at 4pm.