Ibuki by Yoshida Brothers

Originally released in 1999, the Yoshida Brothers' debut album Ibuki, is getting a well-deserved re-release from Domo, marking the first time it has been available in the U.S. market. When originally released, the disc sold over 100,000 copies - an incredible feat, since up to that point most tsugaru-shamisen recordings rarely sold more than a thousand copies in Japan. The album features mostly traditional tsugaru-shamisen songs, though hints of the Brothers' signature style are starting to emerge. From the very beginning, it was clear that the group was bringing this ancient three-stringed instrument into modern times, interpreting its sound for a contemporary audience. This disc deservedly turned the Yoshida Brothers into rock stars in their native land, another rarity for tsugaru-shamisen instrumentalists. Take a listen to where the journey began.

Tracklist