Yoshida Brothers: Ibuki CD

When originally released, this disc sold over 100,000 copies—an incredible feat, since up to that point most tsugaru-shamisen recordings rarely sold more than 1,000 copies in Japan! The album features mostly traditional tsugaru-shamisen songs, though hints of the brothers' signature style were starting to emerge. From the very beginning, it was clear that the group was bringing this ancient three-stringed instrument into modern times, interpreting its sound for a contemporary audience. This disc deservedly turned the Yoshida Brothers into rock stars in their native land, another rarity for tsugaru-shamisen instrumentalists. Hear where it all began! Ryoichiro Yoshida: tsugaru shamisen Kenichi Yoshida: tsugaru shamisen
"The brothers embrace tradition, playing standards from the shamisen repertoire. But they also expand on it. In their own compositions, they riff on themes from the old songs, incorporating other instruments and elements from jazz, classical, flamenco, rock, the blues, and even techno. The music is high energy, and it is highly improvisational." — Boston Globe
 "Japan's Yoshida Brothers are among world music's hottest groups, mixing the island"s traditional music with global dance beats. Yet, the origins of the duo's trademark instrument lay not in Japan, but in China—and that makes the Yoshida Brothers' eclectic updating of a classic Japanese sounds a pan-Asian triumph." — The Globalist

Tracks:
1. Modern
2. Tsugaru Aiyabushi
3. Ibuki
4. Tsugaru Oharabushi
5. Tsugaru Yosarebushi
6. Tsugaru Jonkarabushi Kake