new album release September 18, 2026:

The Arch

New Amsterdam and figureight records

Kaoru Watanabe, the composer and instrumentalist whose work is rooted in traditional Japanese performing arts and infused with experimental and improvisational elements, announces his upcoming album, The Arch (Out September 18, 2026), via New Amsterdam Records in partnership with Figure 8 Recording. Watanabe is a highly sought-after collaborator, and has worked with such iconic artists as André 3000, Yo-Yo Ma, Wes Anderson, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Laurie Anderson, Jason Moran, Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad Ensemble, and Japanese National Living Treasure Bando Tamasaburo.

Created in deep collaboration with Grammy-Award Winning producer William Brittelle, alongside executive producer Shahzad Ismaily, over the course of a year at Figure 8 as part of its Open Residency program, The Arch is a cathartic celebration of a life in music, of transformation and self discovery. The collaboration with Brittelle, who encouraged Watanabe to dig deep into his personal musical history, opened the floodgates for Watanabe and to use all of the tools at his disposal during the creation of the album. He explains, "William opened things up for me and encouraged me to put everything on the table. I began to experiment with sounds, instruments, and compositional tools I normally would not have. This process really allowed me to explore the entirety of my musical being."

Across the 10 tracks on the record, Watanabe places the vibrant timbres of traditional Japanese instruments (shinobue and ryuteki flutes, taiko drums, narimono percussion instruments, and koto, a 13-string zither) in compositions and jazz improvisations. These traditional instruments are contrasted by the many layers of acoustic and electronic instruments—piano, synthesizers, tenor saxophone, soprano and alto flutes, and harp, all played by Watanabe— which he uses to create a unique and shifting soundworld, never quite settling in one place or time but buoyed by his singular artistic vision.

Visit the Bloodlines Interwoven Website

Hello. Kaoru here. Welcome to my official page.

I hope my music and art can give you joy, comfort, release, inspiration, an escape… whatever you need from it, really.

You can find out all about my work and activities here. Following me on Instagram (@kaorufue) is probably the best way to keep up since I sometimes get behind updating this site…