David Smale is a British musician whose career has spanned bass, double bass, guitar, and voice. In 2022, his musical direction shifted profoundly when he travelled to Osaka, Japan and encountered the koto - an instrument whose sound, history, and quiet resonance with the natural world drew him in immediately.

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While in Osaka, David was fortunate to study under a distinguished koto sensei who recognised his dedication and connection to the instrument. In a gesture that deeply influenced David’s artistic path, the sensei gifted him a koto and offered lessons freely. This generosity not only introduced David to the discipline and the tradition but also instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility toward the lineage he had been welcomed into. 

 

Since returning to the UK, the koto has become David’s primary musical focus. His playing draws on both classical and contemporary Japanese approaches, guided by a desire to honour the instrument’s history while developing a voice that reflects his own musical background. He is especially inspired by the words of legendary composer Tadao Sawai: “The power and energy of a single well-produced tone - this is where the root of Japanese music lies.”  For David, this clarity of tone carries with it an echo of the natural environments that shaped the instrument’s origins.

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Today, David continues to explore the depth and character of the koto, bringing its distinctive presence to new audiences. His work reflects a meeting of cultures and traditions - a lifelong musician embracing a new chapter built on respect, gratitude, and an appreciation for the subtle landscapes that live within a single vibrating string.