Tsugaru Shamisen
Much annoyed I have been lately of reading this article in Anan of a beauty contestant who plays the shamisen too, but somehow plays it just for the sake of adding some "Japanese" flavour into her busy and superficial life. Much disappointed I am in the state the art of Folk music has declined among the rich and famous...ah well, that's why they are beauty contestants..but still, keeping the Yoshida Brothers' cd in a cute, cute tiny cane box, is not giving them credit for their music. *sob*
Speaking of which, the Yoshida Brothers of the Tsugaru Shamisen (from North-East Japan, very cold, but famous for Tsugaru musicians, one of them, blind musician Takahashi Chikuzan) will be in London on the 20th May 2001, for the Japan Festival 2001. They will be playing at the Royal Festival Foyer, which I presume, is a free performance.
New Update! Is it or is it not the Yoshida Brothers?
To comment further (today as of 10/05/01), I have checked up Japan 2001's updated page and apparently, the group that is coming is called DADAN. Never heard of them, but they will be playing at the RFH foyer on 19th May and at SOAS on the 21st May, which is the day my tutor, Dr. Hughes, I think, will be giving an introduction on the shamisen. This is again, all part of Japan Festival 2001. I heard that there will be a Matsuri festival at Hyde Park on the 19~20th May so if you are free, and in London, do check it out! :) |
