Cornelius Boots: Primeval Nature Blues & Hymns
Solo Bass Shakuhachi Flute – Intentional Recital
Return to the Root.
Featuring original compositions plus a Coltrane arrangement, this is a limited-seating, intentional presentation of the soul-shifting tone of a rare low-pitched, root-end bamboo flute. At the crossroads of solo recital, porch blues, spiritualist séance and cave ritual, we will shift to an elemental perception and participate in a breath-powered odyssey that is both rustic and virtuosic – earthy and ethereal. It will engage subtle-perception and transmit the range of vital energies that saturate primeval nature.
Watch some videos from the links below to sample the elemental nature music you will be experiencing up close in this historic space. I am celebrating 25 years of studying, practicing, teaching and conjuring a new voice for this ancient instrument. The program will include 9 selections from my growing catalog (about 57 originals and 12 arrangements) of compositions written specifically for this rare woodwind instrument, contextualized by green man folklore, breathing secrets and tales from my woodwinding life.
NOTE: This is a focused event of spiritual art music requiring uncommon deep breathing techniques.
In order to help establish the focused, informal-yet-meditative atmosphere which will enable us all to get the most from this gathering, kindly arrive: unscented, on-time and prepared to shut down and disavow your mobile device for the duration of the event.
Videos
World Shakuhachi Festival 2025 - https://youtu.be/lfU2JPuKv84
Ithaca College 2025 - https://youtu.be/t8k3IzQhWDE
Tiny Desk Contest 2026 - https://youtu.be/qddb70p1il4
Coltrane Tune in Ireland 2024 - https://youtu.be/3IJ_y7nQRmY
Artist Bio
Cornelius Boots is an internationally active composer-performer and lifelong woodwind innovator. He is a licensed grandmaster of Zen shakuhachi, creator of progressive rock, jazz and blues styles and repertoire, and a former bass clarinet pioneer. As Philadelphia’s premiere rustic virtuoso, Boots’ purpose is to transmit the spirit of primeval nature through the rigorous artistry and unique tone of the bass shakuhachi flute, honoring the dual regional lineages of John Coltrane (cosmically creative musicianship) and the Wissahickon hermits (devotional nature spirituality).
The founder of Black Earth Shakuhachi School, Boots grew up in Yardley, spent 32 years living elsewhere, and now resides in Wyndmoor. In addition to grants, awards, commissions and many recordings, Boots was a featured performer and lecturer at World Shakuhachi Festivals 2016 (Prague), 2018 (London) and 2025 (Texas), World Bamboo Congress 2018 (Mexico), Clarinetfests 2008, 2011 and 2013 and his Sony E3 2018 Ghost of Tsushima live performance has over 6 million views on YouTube.