Chikuzan Takahashi, a master of the Tsugaru shamisen, has raised Japanese folk songs to the level of art that has been praised around the world. There’s several different version of the song “Iwaki Impromptu” performed and recorded. This particular original version was recorded at Maruyama Park Concert Hall, Kyoto, in 1973. He was performing for "Yoiyama Concert" (means eve concert) of Gion Festival. (One of the biggest traditional festivals, original style was formed in 14C)
Chikuzan Takahashi describes this song as "a song where you don't know where it started, where the middle part is, and where it ended." It's just an impromptu song, something that you listen to with subtle changes in sound and complex rhythms while making various changes. It is a masterpiece full of dynamism that you can grab until the end.
Iwaki Impromptu mix-translation will be released by 7 inch vinyl with the original version.
7 inch vinyl preorder at:
fieldofmouth.stores.jp/items/6052c0279b47bf4316fdc526
courtesy of Field Of Mouth / Mouth Field Coo, Ltd
released March 18, 2021
Chikuzan Takahashi: shamisen
Bill Laswell: bass, effects
music written by Chikuzan Takahashi
mix-translation by Bill Laswell
created at Orange Music, West Orange, NJ
engineering: James Dellatacoma
mastered by Eitetsu Takamiya
at Flower Records
cover photo by Goro Kasai
art direction & design by Ryuichi Kawajiri
executive producer: Field Of Mouth / Mouth Field Coo, Ltd
Soundcloud:
soundcloud.com/field-of-mouth/sets/chikuzan-takahashi-iwaki-impromptu