Agatsuma
Beyond
(Domo Records, 2004)
Domo
Records has been doing a great job introducing new Japanese music to
international audiences. Agatsuma is a young Japanese musician who has taken an
ancient traditional instrument, the Tsugaru-Shamisen, to the 21st
century. On Beyond
he continues in the direction he initiated with his
self-titled album, Agatsuma. Beyond
features powerful Tsugaru-Shamisen solos,
accompanied by electronic beats and world music influences, with the
introduction of Peruvian cajón.
Agatsuma
was the 14-year-old winner of the 1988 All-Japan Tsugaru-Shamisen Competition,
held at the Kanagicho in the Aomori Prefecture. He began his studies of the
instrument at the age of six. For several more years, the young artist continued
to develop his talents and for two consecutive years, in 1995 and 1996, he was
awarded the prestigious top prize in the Tsuguru-Shamisen National Competition
held in Hirosaki, Japan.
In 2001, Agatsuma received the award for ‘Album of the Year’ at the Japan Gold
Disc Awards for his debut album, Agatsuma.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
