From the recording "Nibiiro no Tori" for tenor, soprano saxophone, and piano
The Gray Bird - Nibiiro no Tori – is the fourth collaboration with Ms. Le Nestour.
She composed this poem after my father passed away, imagining what his message to his loved ones would be. The style of this poem is called chôka, which literally means a long poem and is built with a succession of five - seven syllables (5-7-5-7 ….. 7-7).
It was very difficult to read through without being emotional for a long time. Even though my feelings would never change, it was necessary to face reality – meaning that I needed to complete this project, receive my father’s message, and move on. This was my way of saying, “thank you” to him, and he continues to live in my heart.