Yoshida Brothers

Product Description
Ryoichiro and Kenichi, also known as the Yoshida Brothers, play a Tsugaru-Shamisen, a three-string instrument resembling the banjo and with a style originating from northern Japan with intricate and fast picking.

With the exception of their instruments, they are anything but traditional. With spiked, dyed brown hair and animated performances, many have stated they are a significant force in a new music revolution. "Every day we challenge the possibilities", says Kenichi, "we create our own story . . . by improvisation".

Domo Records is proud to present the Yoshida Brothers self-titled debut release in America.

Yoshida Brothers,Yoshida Brothers,Domo Records,Int'l & World Music,Japanese,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: East Meets West Tsugaru Shamisen the way it's supposed to be Brilliant A new generation of music Very Unfortunate...

Yoshida Brothers, Vol. 2 Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yoshida Brothers III Eternal Songs Hishou Beyond ASIN: B0002RQ302 Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Frontier
2. Gales of Wind (Hayate)
3. Mirage (Shinkiro)
4. Lullably of Takeda (Takeda no Komoriuta)
5. Kodo
6. Indigo
7. Kagero
8. Evening Calm (Yuunagi)
9. Nikata
10. Old/New - "Modern" Third Movement
11. Arigato
12. Kodo - Inside the Sun Remix

Album Description

The Yoshida Brothers' star continues to rise with their highly anticipated album, Yoshida Brothers II. Mixing traditional Japanese music with Western influences, their brash, signature sound incorporates jazz-like improvisation, pop-rock sensibilities, and disparate global music idioms into their virtuoso shamisen mastery. The Brothers play the age-old Tsugaru shamisen - an instrument akin to a rustic three-string banjo. The framework of the Yoshida Brothers' art may be traditional, but its essence and spirit are revolutionary!

Customer Reviews:

East Meets West.......2007-07-17

The Yoshida Brothers have brought something new to the world of music.
While the best known song on this CD is the theme for the illusive "WII" gaming system TV commercial, each and every song is a wonderful blend of traditional Japanese shamisan with a modern beat.
If you are a fan of Japanese music, this is a nice addition to your collection.

Tsugaru Shamisen the way it's supposed to be.......2007-04-07

*THIS* album defines tsugaru shamisen. If someone asks you about Japanese music and mentions the shamisen, give them this album, especially the track Kodo (and the remixed track). They capture the essence and vibrancy of tsugaru shamisen and take it to a modern level. They are great shamisen players in their own right, but the modern twist adds a great flavor to a Japanese (excuse me, Ainu or Tsugaru) musical style.

Brilliant.......2007-02-11

For those who are familiar with the sound and music of the Shamisen instrument, you will be blown away by this album if you enjoy giant leaps in musical creativity. Like playing rock and roll on a Harpsichord, these two brothers take their Shamisens, instruments created hundreds, if not, thousands of years ago, and play various genres of modern music with them. Some musical genres lend themselves better to the Shamisen than others but the experimentation is both appreciated and brilliant. The tract, "Kodo" is played with a Break Beat and is nothing short of genius. These two brothers have introduced the Shamisen to a whole new generation of young Japanese fans and I hope to the World. I can't wait to get to Japan to go to one of their concerts and hope I can see them even sooner in the States. Brilliant!

A new generation of music.......2005-03-06

Many have complained that this is not traditional music of this type. Yes, it is quite different because it is a blend with modern instruments and melodies that make it a project of our times today. I love the creative input into each of the tracts and the overall creativity of the artists. I would not call this new age music but post-modern music with a traditional "twist". The brothers are quite young, so be prepared to hear from them for many more years!

Very Unfortunate..........2004-10-03

I am a big fan of the shamisen, and picked up this CD assuming that, since I had heard so much about the Yoshida Brothers as virtuosos of their instrument, that it would be packed full of the breathtaking, high-speed music that is usually associated with Tsugaru-jamisen. (the type of shamisen the Yoshida's play)

Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. Kodo is really the only good track on the CD. The rest is over-processed, horrid new-age stuff. I find it very unfortunate, that for some reason the beauty of this very Japanese instrument has been presented in every way (an Arabian style track, a Spanish flamenco style track, a Chinese track) OTHER than it's original context. I just feel like if I wanted to listen to flamenco music, I would buy a flamenco CD, not a shamisen CD.

Other than that, the Yoshida's are very technically talented, something I have to admit.

Average customer rating: Shamisen for Everybody

III Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yoshida Brothers, Vol. 2 Yoshida Brothers Hishou Eternal Songs Beams ASIN: B000E991AW Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

1. Erghen Diado
2. Passion
3. Canon
4. Hit Song
5. Overland Blues
6. Fuyu No Sakura
7. By This River
8. Morricone
9. Oh My Love
10. Tsugaru Jinku
11. Kokoro Ni Dakarete
12. Tsugaru Jongara Bushi

Customer Reviews:

Shamisen for Everybody.......2007-07-09

So we're in the car listening to the radio when my partner says "that's a Bulgarian folk song but its being played on a shamisen and it sounds fantastic!" Enough to make us find out who the artist is and what other interesting things they may be up to. Now, all our friends have III by the Yoshida Brothers too, its more than east meets west, the production is very tight and the arrangements are really well worked. From Bulgarian folk music to the ambling Overland Blues via James Bond-type music and John Lennon covers, its amazing what these guys can do with just three strings each. This album is definitely worth buying.

Average customer rating:

Hishou Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: III Yoshida Brothers Yoshida Brothers, Vol. 2 Beams Eternal Songs ASIN: B000M4RFZ2 Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. Prelude: Hishou
2. Ibuki
3. Kodo
4. Ringo Bushi
5. Ajigasawa Jinku
6. Yasaburou Bushi
7. Panorama
8. Tsugaru Yosare Bushi
9. Time Of Sand
10. Tsugaru Aiya Bushi
11. Modern
12. Dual
13. Tsugaru Jongara Bushi
14. Postlude: Hishou

Average customer rating: Ancient and the very new Wonderful shamisen music, sometimes schlocky Almost perfect CD! Lose the orchestra. More, more, more of the rest. Genuine Musicians. Excellent!

Yoshida Brothers Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yoshida Brothers, Vol. 2 III Hishou Eternal Songs Beyond ASIN: B0000ADXFJ Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

1. Tabidachi (Starting On A Journey)
2. Hyakka Ryouran (Blooming)
3. Madrugada
4. Storm
5. Namonaki Oka (A Hill With No Name)
6. Tsugaru Jyangara Bushi (Kenichi Version)
7. Labyrinth ('Modern' Second Movement)
8. Moyuru (Sprouting)
9. Fukaki Umi No Kanata (Beyond The Deep Sea)
10. Tsugaru Jyangara Bushi (Ryoichiro Version)
11. Storm (T.M. Mix)

Album Description

Ryoichiro and Kenichi, also known as the Yoshida Brothers, play a Tsugaru-Shamisen, a three-string instrument resembling the banjo and with a style originating from northern Japan with intricate and fast picking.

With the exception of their instruments, they are anything but traditional. With spiked, dyed brown hair and animated performances, many have stated they are a significant force in a new music revolution. "Every day we challenge the possibilities", says Kenichi, "we create our own story . . . by improvisation".

Domo Records is proud to present the Yoshida Brothers self-titled debut release in America.

Customer Reviews:

Ancient and the very new.......2007-07-07

Playing an ancient intrument, the Shamisen, with virtuoso artistry and new music. The Shamisen goes where it was never meant to go, and is excitement and a sound change from the western bias music. Controversial for the purist, but pleasure for the rest of us.

Wonderful shamisen music, sometimes schlocky.......2005-04-27

The shamisen music here isn't anything startling new, but there are some memorable tracks (I agree with the other reviewers that "Starting a Journey" is good, "Storm" is too; I also like "Hill with No Name"). I find the music somewhat meditative at times, at others pulse-raising.

Some might find the either the techno+traditional (or the traditional) too schlocky for their tastes. I admit I have a weakness for the exotic -- Yoshida Bros feed that side of my imagination.

The music reminds me a lot of what you hear in Japanese setting videogames these days. That is not a criticism (the original "Tenchu" song is one of the most upbeat modern adaptations of Japanese song I've heard for a long time). Definitely good background music for a variety of things, including gaming.

Almost perfect CD!.......2004-02-23

I wish Yoshida brothers could always have used accompaniments for their tsugaru shamisens, otherwise it is a bit difficult for my ear to hear a solo sound of this traditional Japanese instrument. Five tracks on this CD are solo shamisen music.

At the same time, this CD features six Yoshida Brothers' original compositions arranged for various accompaniments including synthesizer, drums, piano, acoustic guitar and string orchestra. It's sort of pop, rock and jazz. The first track on this album "Starting on a Journey" is a romantic Neo-Classical theme for tsugaru shamisen and full orchestra. That's my favourite! Very powerful and emotional. The remix version of the theme "Storm" is also cool! It's very energetic, fast and dynamic. I know that originally "Storm" was composed by Yoshida Brothers as an opening theme for one of prestigious martial arts competitions in Japan.

Sound samples of all tracks from this CD are available on the web-site of Domo Records.

Lose the orchestra. More, more, more of the rest........2004-01-13

The traditional tracks on this album are simply amazing. Energetic and hard-driving as any R&R song. Why the overproduced and synthesized tracks? It serves only to turn it into new-age atmospheric crap. I detested the orchestrated tracks as much as I loved the traditional ones.

Genuine Musicians. Excellent!.......2003-12-17

I usually don't buy cds unless I've heard it a couple times outside the music store, where I can have a chance to be sure I like it. But this CD captured me from the moment I heard it. The Yoshida Brothers clearly enjoy the music they play, and it shows. When I listen to it it sounds like these guys respect the tradition from which this style of music originated. They have a difficult style to classify. Some descriptive words: expansive, uninhibited talent, beautiful, sexy, original. I'm going to get more of their music.

Average customer rating:

Yoshida Brothers Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000A3H72Q Release Date: 2005-10-03

Tracks:

1. Starting on a Journey (Tabidachi)
2. Blooming (Hyakka Ryouran)
3. Madrugada
4. Storm
5. Hill With No Name (Namonaki Oka)
6. Tsugaru Jyongara Bushi [Kenichi Version]
7. Labyrinth ["Modern" Second Movement]
8. Sprouting (Moyuru)
9. Beyond the Deep Sea (Fukaki Umi No Kanata)
10. Tsugaru Jyongara Bushi [Ryoichiro Version]
11. Storm [T.M. Mix]

Album Description

Japanese pressing of the regular edition album. Sony. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Zenkoku Tour 2006-Hisyo Jikkyo Rokuga ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000N4RBMS Release Date: 2007-09-11

Average customer rating: Great if you want solo shamisen Move MOVES!

Move Yoshida Kyodai , and Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Jvc Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005HQ2L

Customer Reviews:

Great if you want solo shamisen.......2004-04-05

after hearing both Agatsuma CDs, i was hoping the yoshida kyodai would have similar music, with modern drums and other instruments. Instead, Move contains all shamisen solos, which somewhat dissapointed me.

Move MOVES!.......2002-05-24

The Yoshida Brothers, two very (21 and 23 years old) musicians, perform original and traditional music on shamisen in a way that ROCKS! A very beautiful and original cd, by two talented and daring young artists.

Average customer rating:

Tour 2006 Hishou: Complete Live Recordings Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000N4RBNW Release Date: 2007-04-30

Average customer rating:

Yoshida Brothers Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000A3H72G Release Date: 2005-10-03

Tracks:

1. Erghen Diado (Song Of Schopsko)
2. Fuyu No Sakura
3. Passion
4. Tosa No Sunayama
5. By This River
6. Overland Blues
7. Canon
8. Morricone
9. Oh My Love
10. Hit Song
11. Tsugaru Jinku
12. Kokoro Ni Dakarete
13. Rising (Dvd)
14. Recording Documentary (Dvd)

Album Description

Limited edition Japanese pressing includes a bonus DVD (NTSC/Region 2) with first pressing. Sony. 2005.

Album Details

DVD is NTSC format, region code 2

Average customer rating: LIke nothing you're used to listening to Not just for old people

Ibuki Yoshida Kyodai , and Yoshida Brothers Manufacturer: Jvc Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005HQ2M

Tracks:

1. Japanese Title
2. Japanese Title
3. Japanese Title
4. Japanese Title
5. Japanese Title
6. Japanese Title

Customer Reviews:

LIke nothing you're used to listening to.......2006-04-06

I first heard this album when my host family lent it to me in the summer of 2003. The opening track, "Modan", blew my mind, simply because it was a pair of traditional shamisen, wrought funky like the the opening theme of some forgotten movie. The tone of the album as a whole is peaceful and transporting - for a time I was able to imagine myself on a slow wagon to Aomori instead of a crowded Tokyo subway. If no one else can understand my love of Ibuki, that's ok - it remains one of the most treasured elements of my CD collection. It took me two years to find it again after leaving Japan, and it figures heavily in all my chambara daydreams to date.

Not just for old people.......2003-06-06

When I first bought this CD, all my Japanese friends looked at me really funny, because, apparently, only old Japanese people listen to this stuff. I'm glad that I bought it, though. It's different from traditional stuff in the pace. If you listen to most of the 3-string guitar stuff from Asia, it's all kinda slow, and there's a lot of rests between each "plink" sound. But on this album, everything's pretty fast, so you definitely won't fall asleep. I took off one star, since some of the tracks sound pretty much the same.

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