Tsugaru Shamisen

I randomly got a chance to see some 津軽三味線 (tsugaru syamisen)
a while ago. I was just walking around in Osaka with a friend doing
some Christmas shopping, when a Japanese guy started screaming
about an event to see some free shamisen that was starting soon.
The event was starting in about five minutes, so we figured what
the heck and decided to check it out.

The main performer was Takeda Suguru. Suguru-san won the
津軽三味線全国大会 (Tsugarusyamisen all Japan Competition) twice
in a row in 1988 and 1989. Apparently now he runs a bar in
Osaka which also does Syamisen live events, and also has been
heavily influence himself by American Jazz.

I’m no expert in Shamisen, so if you know any of these facts to
be wrong please let me know. The Tsugaru Syamisen originates
Aomori-ken, the north part of Japan just below Hokkaido. I hear
that this tsugaru syamisen is larger than the usual syamisen. The
usual Shamisen is a three stringed guitar like instrument, which is
strummed with a large pick called a “bachi”. The instrument is
sometimes strummed very powerfully, so that the bachi strikes
against the body to create a percussion sound.

During this performance where were Shamisen solo’s, as well
as 民謡 (minyou) which is basically Japanese folk music. Usually
a lady singing in that… you know… Japanese way of singing.

Some famous minyou include… 帰ってこいよ (”Come back!” a famous
enka song by Miyako Harumi) and a song by 美空ひばり (Mizora Hibari,
an old school famous singer Mizora sings that song… あ～あ～♪川の流れのよーにー♪).
Some songs also included a single taikoh drummer.

I don’t know if I have these calls spelled correctly, but while playing either the
drummer or syamisen player will call out… はい！あら！あらん！あらおう！
I think this is to keep tempo, or maybe it is just part of the song… but
it’s very interesting. (Pics Below)

-Harvey