(English Profile below)

石川 翔太（いしかわ しょうた）

フルーティスト、ベーシスト、作/編曲家

神戸生まれ。5歳よりピアノ、12歳よりフルート、16歳からベースも始める。
奨学金を得てアメリカのバークリー音楽大学に留学。ベース科と作/編曲科をダブル専攻し2010年に卒業。

在学中には大学より
・Outstanding Performer Award
・Charles Mingus Award
をそれぞれ受賞。

在学中よりベーシストとして活動する傍らフルーティストとしても継続して活動し、様々な音楽に触れる。
2007年よりジョージ・ムラーツと出会い、アシスタントを務める。後に弟子として認められ師事。

また同時期に学友であったトルコ人フルーティストBurak Besirに師事し、クラシックフルートの手ほどきを受ける。

ビザを取得し、NYCに移住。
NY Birdlandに出演するなどプロとして活動した後、2013年に拠点を日本に移す。

日本に帰国後もベーシストとして、Matt Savage, Josh Nelson, Emil Viklickyらをはじめとする様々なアーティストと共演する傍ら、自身が主宰するフルートカルテット”RHMS(ラームス)”を、2018年に結成。
フルーティスト・ベーシスト・作/編曲家と様々な顔を持ちながら独自の音楽を展開している。

2024年度、第二期おおきにアンバサダー。

 

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Shota Ishikawa(flutist, bassist, arranger and composer)

Shota Ishikawa, a versatile musician with expertise in flute, bass, arrangement, and composition, was born into a musically inclined family in Kobe, Japan. His deep connection to music began at a young age, and he embarked on a journey of musical exploration.

At the tender age of 5, Shota started his musical education with the piano. However, his fascination with the saxophone and flute, the instruments played by his father, Masayoshi Ishikawa, ignited his curiosity. At 12, he ventured into learning the flute, which paved the way for his subsequent acquaintance with various woodwind instruments such as the saxophone, clarinet, and oboe.

Seeking new artistic horizons, Shota expanded his repertoire at 16 by delving into the world of bass. Under the tutelage of Yoshiro Kanda for fundamentals and Kazuhiro Sumi, who drew inspiration from the legendary George Mraz, Shota honed his skills on the bass. Reflecting on his experience, Shota acknowledges the profound impact of Mr. Sumi’s teachings, which formed the core of Mraz’s style and greatly influenced his own musical journey. With his passion for music fueling his dedication, Shota began his professional career as a bassist during his high school years.

In 2007, Shota’s talent earned him the prestigious “Berklee Asian Scholarship” (BAS), granting him the opportunity to study abroad at Berklee College of Music in the United States. Immersed in the vibrant musical environment, he pursued a double major in Performance and Jazz Composition, completing the program in an impressive three and a half years, well ahead of the original five-year duration. Throughout his college years, Shota showcased his musical prowess, earning accolades such as the Outstanding Performer Award in Performance and the Charles Mingus Award in Jazz Composition. Simultaneously, he delved into classical flute fundamentals under the guidance of Turkish flutist Burak Besir, who became an influential figure and cherished friend in his musical journey.

A dream come true, Shota finally crossed paths with his hero, George Mraz, in 2007. Over the years, their relationship deepened, and Mraz recognized Shota as his disciple, an unforgettable and cherished moment in Shota’s life. Recounting this milestone, Shota expresses his immense gratitude for the opportunity to study under his idol and to connect with his musical vision and personal philosophy.

After graduating from Berklee, Shota relocated to New York City and obtained an O-1 Visa. He unleashed his talents in composition and arrangement, captivating audiences with his innovative musical endeavors. Notably, he arranged music for the Boston World Flute Ensemble and performed as a guest flutist, including a remarkable jazz-style arrangement of Ibert’s Flute Concerto, a request from Burak Besir.

As a bassist, Shota graced prestigious jazz clubs such as NY Birdland and performed at historical and artistic venues like the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Enriched by these unforgettable experiences, he returned to Japan in 2013.

Back in his home country, Shota collaborated with renowned musicians from both Japan and abroad, including

Matt Savage, Josh Nelson, Emil Viklicky, Mike Del Ferro, Yuki Futami among others.

Despite a demanding schedule, Shota’s creative spirit remained undeterred. In 2018, he formed the Flute Chamber Quartet “RHMS,” showcasing his multifaceted talents as a flutist, bassist, composer, and arranger, constantly evolving and exploring new musical frontiers.