AGATSUMA – “Eternal Songs”
Domo, 2005

JAPAN – New Agey album featuring the Tsugaru-shamisen. The shamisen is a 3-stringed lute. Even if you’ve never heard the name, you’ll recognize it. The Tsugaru regional variation is known for it’s bluesy, open sound. Agatsuma brings in classical and traditional influences, but the drum duets steal the show.

Fo’s Picks: 3, 5, 6, 8

1. 4:11 – breezy, energetic, with acoustic guitar, piano, wadaiko drum backing
2. 3:54 – a traditional-style pop song, sweet arrangement with strings, flute
3. 4:06 – fun: just shamisen and happy wadaiko drums, you’ll tap along
4. 4:22 – chamber music: melancholy tune with classical wind ensemble
5. 6:38 – dramatic drums, then traditional plucking over slow beat, speeds up!
6. 2:27 – happy festival sound w/drums, flute… and accordion! Beware false end.
7. 5:15 – sad, expansive ballad with piano & strings, like something from a movie
8. 2:18 – spare drum intro, then a fast shamisen/drum duet.
9. 4:16 – rolling rhythm under a mellow cover, almost a Celtic feel
10. 5:41 – slow and sad with piano, then fast & slashing with drums. Interesting.
11. 4:43 – sweet wind ensemble, nice traditional vocal, melancholy, intriguing

[Fo] - 11/16/05