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.