Search - Agatsuma :: Beams

Japanese Tsugaru-Shamisen as you have never heard it played

medievalcrusadesbabe | Ohio USA | 01/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD presents us with another vision by the master of the Tsugaru-Shamisen. Agatsuma was a child prodigy on the Tsugaru-Shamisen, a three stringed fretless banjo-like instrument. The Shamisen is an instrument that originated in China. Tsugaru refers to the area in the northern tip of mainland Japan. The Japanese developed their own style of playing this instrument and the Shamisen from this area of Japan are noted for their powerful style of sound and playing, which is why it is specifically referred to by its place of origin.



While its history is one of use in classical Japanese music, the recent revival of this instrument and Agatsuma's incorporation of this traditional instrument into modern music is one of the most successful integrations of this kind. The flavor of the music is most definitely Japanese folk, but the beats are clearly western.



This CD highlights the use of the Tsugaru-Shamisen in a variety of styles of music. Recorded on his first national tour, these original compositions highlight the ability of this instrument to be incorporated into modern music. They also establish Agatsuma as the master of the instrument not only in his ability to play it to a variety of styles of music but also composing music that allows the blending to be seamless as well as pleasing to the ear.



The opening track of Beams is an upbeat fusion of electronica and the Tsugaru-Shamisen. Almost William Orbit in style, it features driving rhythms in the background which emphasizes the Tsugaru-Shamisen as well as Agatsuma's ability to play the instrument in harmony with the style of music.



In Memory of NY gives us an "on the streets" flavor, somewhat jazz, somewhat pop, and most definitely Japanese. This composition is well constructed and features hot jazz and cool sound of the Tsugaru-Shamisen.



Solitude has a "new age" feel to it, like a gentle breeze through the Cherry blossoms. This piece features piano and Tsugaru-Shamisen, and highlights Agatsum's mastery of the instrument.



Accustom is a very short piece, highlighting Japanese drumming with the Tsugaru-Shamisen, and adding light elements of electronica to fill in the background, very successfully softening the rough edges but being very effective.



Fun is exactly that. We experience Japanese folk music, with a Latin jazz beat, funky piano, and it is a very surprising upbeat piece. Again we are presented with another style of music where the Tsugaru-Shamisen feels right at home.



On Bourbon St. challenges the ear with a very blues beat that can be found in a very Japanese sound. And it works! Blending the Tsugaru-Shamisen with only a drum leaves you snapping your fingers as you recognize the beat and delight in the blending.



We return to the ambient/new age feeling with a short piece called In the Rain which again features the Tsugaru-Shamisen blended with drums and electronica, as we experience the force of a storm and gentleness of a Japanese inspired rain.



And in the track Groovin we again have a jazz piece with piano, drums and instead of guitar we have the Tsugaru-Shaminsen. Again, another great composition that is upbeat and brings your feet to the dance floor.



Curfew is a very traditional piece, overlaid on an orchestrated background. While most of the CD focuses on East meets West, this piece is more of a very Japanese composition. This is a very dramatic piece that gives us the roots of instrument in a very impressive composition.



The final track is called Blown Away and the energy level is kicked up to give this CD a rocking finish. Elements of Rock, jazz and the ever present Japanese folk music are blended flawlessly to leave you wanting to hear the CD again.



After listening to this CD, you can understand how Agatsuma`s first CD in 2001 received the "Album of the Year" award at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. This is a wonderful addition to your music library and if you have not heard Agatsuma before, this can be a great introduction to this style of music. maf"

Great writing

Benjamin Labarthe-Piol | Paris, France | 02/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A really good sense of melody for this great record. Agatsuma konws how to get the audience listening with an amazing sounding!
I strongly recommend this album!"