Agatsuma
Hiromitsu Agatsuma has practiced the ancient Japanese art of Tsugaru-Shamisen since the age of six, going on to win the 1988 All-Japan Tsugaru-Shamisen Competition at the tender age of 14. Known throughout the world as simply Agatsuma, this original artist has long infused the traditional sound of the shamisen - a long-neched, three stringed, lute-like instrument-with present day, international musical influences, including blues, rock, dance music, folk, flamenco and funk.
His lates release, EN, is no different. EN, which can variably mean relationship, circle or festival, is an apt name for the album, itself a festival of sound, comprising the varied influences Agatsuma has been exposed to over the years, while touring around the world, sharing his love for the traditions of Japanese music with an international audience. Further, Agatsuma's aim with this music is to bring people together, to bridge disparate cultures and to find common ground between them, much the way he hasblended the sound of ancient Japanese music with thevaried influences of today's contemporary music scene.
The circle is completed with this collection of newmaterial, which showcases Agatsuma's mastery of hisold world instrument, alongside his expansive,encompassing musical vision.
Agatsuma's playing and technique pulls off complex runs with ridiculous ease, able to shift in feel from funky to meditative with great ease. Allmusic.com
Thanks to Agatsuma, the Shamisen craze that has been sweeping Japan's youth for several years is on its way to becoming a global phenomenon. Fusing the soul and softly plaintive twang of traditional Tsugaru-shamisen with an informed mastery of contemporary Western musical idioms, Agatsuma's US debut release in 2003, Beams, was a landmark in the East-meets-West appeal of the art form that the New York Post called "unusually exotic, yet familiar at the same time."
Agatsuma's latest work, Eternal Songs, is a fusion of new age, neo-classical, and ethereal world music. With Japanese instrumentation such as the Wadiako drums, Shinobue flute and of course the Tsugaru-Shamisen, Agatsuma has added colors of orchestral styling that make this album a perfect next step in hismusical progression.
"I am careful ...to not make the shamisen sound too much like the guitar but maintain its unique phrases and accents ...I try not to leave the basics behind."
Currently, Agatsuma is participating almost 100 concerts and sessions both domestic and international in a year, and he keeps seeking traditions and innovations of Tsugaru Shamisen. Agatsuma has performed with many overseas artists such as Marcus Miller (Bass), Larry Coryell (G.), Nana Vasconcelos (Perc.), and Sarena Jones (Vo.) He is receiving great reputations by his fresh and unique fusion with Western music, while he keeps the characteristics of the Japanese traditional instrument alive.
Discography
 | AGATSUMA: Beams
The 14-year-old winner of the 1988 All-Japan Tsugaru-Shamisen Competition, here featured in a blend of world, electronic, jazz and rock styles
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 | AGATSUMA: Beyond
The shamisen craze that has been sweeping Japan's youth for several years is on its way to becoming a global phenomenon. This album is a fusion of traditional and modern approaches both in playing and in genre blending.
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 | AGATSUMA: Eternal Songs
A fusion of new age, neo-classical, and ethereal world music with Japanese instrumentation.
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