I’ve recently been listening a lot to Japanese shamisen musician Agatsuma. The album in rotation isn’t new, but it is one of his best, titled “Beams” (2002). The sound and vibe of his music is very unique.

Agatsuma Hiromitsu was born in 1973 and has played the tsugaru shamisen since he was six. His experience and skills are quite evident in his music. His music is a sort of blend between that of shamisen tradition, blues, electronic. The latter two are what make him very unique. Yes, a blues vibe is not really new in shamisen music, but the way that Agatsuma goes about it is. His marraige of this style and often electronic rhythms make his music very jammable.

My favorite songs on Agatsuma’s “Beams” LP include the self-titled song “Beams”, “Curfew”, “Fun”, and “In the Rain”. All of these, and actually every song on the CD is very unique. Nothing sounds the same to me. The diversity in the genres used and songs themselves make for great listening.

Agatsuma may be comparable to such artists such as the Yoshida Brothers simply on grounds of a common instrument, the shamisen. But the elements that each artist brings to the table is definetly different.

Ultimately, I’m excited! Now I just want to hear more music from Agatsuma. Other albums of his include “Agatsuma”, “Classics”, “Beyond”, and the most recent “Eien no Uta”.

Check out Agatsuma’s OFFICIAL SITE.

Special thanks goes out to Jack of HSU-NAMI for the hook-up.