Last Saturday was an evening filled with the music of one of the most fascinating artists of our time. Kaoro Dill Ishibashi goes by the melodic-sounding portmanteau Kishi Bashi. The Auditorium was filled with devoted fans and people being introduced to his music. He was joined by multi-instrumentalist Mike Savino, known as Tall Tall Trees, and the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Scott Speck.
The first time I experienced the artistry of Kishi Bashi was two years ago at the Harris Theater. I was spellbound by the music and the artist himself. I had not heard anything like it. He is a Japanese American, which he drew upon to create the film and album Omoiyari in 2019. The word omoiyari is translated as a combination of sympathy and compassion for others. At this concert, Kishi Bashi opened with a question: "What is an American?" Considering the current political climate in America, those words rang true and resonated deeply.
He performed "Theme From Jerome (Forgotten Words)," accompanied by Savino on banjo. The song is related to those who try or are forced to assimilate at the risk of losing their heritage. The song encourages compassion and allows people to express themselves in their language, enriching the country they have chosen. Bashi is a physically emotive performer, often holding his hand over his heart when he sings. His gorgeous tenor can soar to ethereal high notes that take my breath away.
Bashi plays several instruments, including the violin, guitar, keyboard, and a Roland synthesizer. He played a passage and would put it on repeat with some beatboxing thrown in. Savino made his banjo sound like a shamisen, and he used a bow and a drumstick to produce different sounds. He also sang harmony with Bashi, with whom he has collaborated for more than 20 years.
Throughout the night Bashi's witty banter was humble and self-effacing. He said that he was the best violinist in the Kishi Bashi band until the Philharmonic joined him on stage. Philharmonic was in top form as always. They came out before Kishi Bashi and Maestro Speck discussed the beautiful Auditorium and the historic events that had taken place there. I was unaware that George Gershwin introduced An American in Paris at the Auditorium, but it was fitting that the Philharmonic played it before bringing Kishi Bashi to the stage. The audience was just as enthusiastic about the Philharmonic as Bashi and Savino. The orchestra accompaniment gave the music a grand, sweeping feel that fills the chest.
After a short intermission, the excitement level went higher. "I am the Antichrist to You", "Fantasia", "Atticus, in the Desert" ( with Savino making the banjo sound like a sitar), and most impressively "Icarus V." Savino emerged dressed as King Minos and a dancer dressed as Icarus. King Minos imprisoned Icarus and his father, Daedalus, on the island of Crete. Icarus, in his youthful arrogance, flew too close to the sun and plummeted to the earth. It is one of my favorite Greek myths. I love the music of Kishi Bashi for the intellectual and spiritual components as much as the lyrics and music.
The encore featured a stunning rendition of Puccini's "O mio babbino caro" sung by Bashi and a finale of Talking Heads' "This Must Be the Place." The audience was on its feet, singing along at Bashi's encouragement. It was a fantastic night and for me, a prelude to Easter and the concept of resurrection. The songs of compassion for the marginalized and giving from the heart seem prescient in retrospect, with the passing of Pope Francis. Kishi Bashi sang of hope and comfort in the world for the poor, the migrants currently in internment camps, and those who lose their language and culture to assimilate.
I highly recommend listening to Kishi Bashi and allowing the music to enter your mind and heart. I also highly recommend taking the opportunity to see him live. His presence is something that resonates with the audience and is a key component of his wonderful music.
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