Hiromitsu Agatsuma is a virtuoso on the traditional three-stringed lute-like Japanese ethnic instrument known as the Tsugaru-Shamisen. He is the equivalent on his chosen instrument of the recent phenomenon on the ukulele, Jake Shimabukuro. The Japanese word “En” can alternately mean relationship, circle or festival – all of that seems to apply to this disc. While it does have a few tracks of probably unpleasant-to-Western-ears vocals, the instrumentals really swing thru a variety of genres – including rock, folk, funk, flamenco, blues and dance music. Unlike the ukulele albums, Agatsuma has cohorts in attendance and the arrangements are good fun – often bridging the divide between the different cultures of East and West. The sounds and effects he coaxes from those three strings is nothing short of amazing!
TrackList: Under the Moon, Ringo Oiwake, En, Double-Sided, Mogami Riverboat Song, Distant City, Resonating Prayer, Ushibuka Haijabushi, In the Still of the Night, Otoranbu-Jongarayosakoi
– John Henry