AMACHI

From 1992 until 2003 Kazu Omura and Yuri Yoshimoto made their home in the mountains at 4,000 feet above Upper Lake, California. Both natives of Japan, their duo, named Amachi lived and worked in a pristine pasture overlooking Clear Lake. They got electricity for their large circular yurt home solely from the sun, spring water was delivered by gravity flow, food was provided by a large organic garden, and they home schooled their two young sons. "Amachi" means "heaven and earth". It is the name of both their group and their oldest son.

As followers of the philosophy of voluntary simplicity, Yuri and Kazu are full time environmentalists that live their principles everyday. Kazu, who plays guitar, became an environmental activitst after a long career as an organic food distributor in Japan. Yuri, a school teacher who also played a mean violin, met Kazu when the two of them were playing at anit-war and environmentalist rallies. Kazu, Yuri, and their sons are now living in Japan again.

Both Kazu and Yuri write their own lyrics and music. Kazu's rich baritone voice blends perfectly with Yuri's contralto in harmonies that are lyrical and sweet. The simplicity of their lives is echoed in the serene and peaceful music they perform. Amachi has produced two CDs: "We Melt Together" (self-produced), and "Healing Flowers" with Jazzical Music.