Final Descent x KLEIN Presents: Aragaki Mutsumi Duo (JP) // CPHJAZZ

Artist in Residence 2025: New World of Okinawan Music

This year, the Final Descent Artist in Residence program is proud to present three extraordinary musicians from Japan. Intertwining their cultural upbringing with free improvisation, extended techniques, and cross-aesthetic experimentation, they each offer a unique take on recontextualized Japanese music—ranging from hypnotic minimalism and electro-acoustic folk to avant-garde and spiritual jazz.

Experience a new world of Okinawan music with the contemporary folk experimentalist Aragaki Mutsumi in a special duo encounter with Danish-Swedish bassist Joel Illerhag
At the beginning of her solo concerts, Aragaki Mutsumi invites her audience to journey with her into another world of Okinawan music. It’s a voyage into her Okinawa, evoked through the expert sound of her sanshin playing, the rich expression of her voice, and the mesmerising atmospheres.

Mutsumi studied the traditional Okinawa string instrument sanshin and the island’s classical singing tradition under the tutelage of two great masters of Okinawan music, Fukuhara Chouki and Fukuhara Kyouko.

Her mission now is to integrate the deep soul of Okinawan music into a contemporary setting—without, as she says, “losing its scent.” Aragaki Mutsumi is both a guardian of her roots and a bold experimenter.

Joel Illerhag is a Danish-Swedish double bassist, composer, and instrument maker, known for his groundbreaking approach to improvisation and sound art. He is based in Helsingør, Denmark.

Illerhag is the creator of the unique Swedish Harp Bass – a double bass equipped with 39 sympathetic strings and electromagnets, producing a dreamy, spacious sound. The instrument has gained international attention and was featured as “Bass of the Week” by No Treble.

Aragaki Mutsumi is part of Final Descent’s Artist in Residency 2025, where three Japanese musicians will visit Copenhagen Jazz Festival with solo performances and exciting new collaborations. The residency program is supported by Toyota Foundation and The Danish Arts Council.

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