Collaboration of Tsugaru Shamisen and other instruments: Creation of new music

The Tsugaru shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument known for its distinctive sound and playing techniques. In recent years, this traditional instrument has been collaborating with various genres of instruments to create new forms of music. Here we introduce the possibilities and attractions of collaboration between the Tsugaru shamisen and other instruments.

Fusion with Jazz:.

The powerful rhythms of the Tsugaru shamisen blend beautifully with the improvisational nature of jazz. Combined with other major jazz instruments such as piano and saxophone, it can create unpredictable and beautiful improvisations.
However, it is recommended that the session be set in a key that is easy to play on the Tsugaru shamisen, such as C or F as much as possible. (You can, of course, set the strings to any key by tuning.)

Sessions with rock bands:.

When the Tsugaru shamisen is combined with the intense sounds of a rock band, such as electric guitars and drums, a unique fusion of traditional and modern sounds is created. In particular, the Tsugaru shamisen's interplay with electric guitar has the potential to open up new musical horizons.
However, in some cases, the Tsugaru shamisen side will need to be amplified as well as the guitar side,
Therefore, careful discussion and rehearsal are necessary.

Collaboration with Classical Music

When the Tsugaru shamisen is played with classical music instruments such as the violin, cello, and piano, a grand soundscape is created that blends the music of the East and West. Especially when combined with a string quartet, one can experience the new beauty of classical and traditional music. In this case, careful coordination is required between the Tsugaru shamisen, for which many performers excel at improvisation, and the string players, who are less adept at improvisation but more accurate in reading music. The string players need to respect and be close to the Tsugaru shamisen player.

Combination with electronic music:.

When the live sound of the Tsugaru shamisen is combined with the beat of electronic music, it breathes new life into the electronic music we are accustomed to hearing. The meeting of the digital and analog worlds offers a new musical experience.
Tsugaru shamisen goes well with EDM and other electronic music, so collaboration will be no problem.

Collaboration between Tsugaru shamisen and other instruments has more significance than simply mixing different musical genres. It encourages cross-cultural dialogue, both as a culture and as an industry.
It is also an attempt to create new values and sensibilities through music.
By rediscovering the possibilities of traditional instruments and taking on the challenge of creating new music, the world will become even richer and more colorful.