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Wamono Groove

Wamono Groove

SKU: V82707 Barcode: 5050580774728
Regular price £32.99
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Format: Vinyl / 12" Album

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  • Released Date: 28 Jan 2022

  • Genre: Jazz

Our Take

When it comes to crossing cultural boundaries and blending musical styles, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa, and Kifu Mitsuhashi are the masters of innovation. Their latest collaborative album, "Wamono Groove: Shakuhachi & Koto Jazz Funk 76," is a mind-bending journey through time and space that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about music.

From the opening track, "Sakura Funk," it's clear that this trio has something special up their sleeves. The seamless fusion of traditional Japanese instruments like the shakuhachi and koto with funky jazz beats creates a sound that is both familiar and utterly unique. It's like taking a trip to ancient Japan via the jam-packed streets of 1970s New York City.

Tracks like "Tokyo Night Groove" and "Koto Funk 76" showcase the virtuosity of each musician, as they effortlessly weave intricate melodies and rhythms together in a way that is both captivating and exhilarating. The result is a sonic tapestry that is as mesmerising as it is danceable.

But don't let the funky beats and catchy hooks fool you - there is a depth and complexity to this album that rewards repeated listens. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or a casual listener looking for something new and exciting, "Wamono Groove" is sure to leave a lasting impression. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and let Kiyoshi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa, and Kifu Mitsuhashi take you on a musical journey like no other. Trust us, you won't regret it.

Track Listing

Disc: 1
1. Nanbu Ushioi-uta
2. Isohama Bon-uta
3. Hohai-bushi
4. Otemoyan
5. Aizu Bandaisan
6. Saitaro-bushi
7. Soma Nagareyama
8. Yagi-bushi
9. Asadoya Yunta
10. Konpira Fune Fune

Delivery & Returns

Delivery 

FREE UK delivery on orders over £20.

Orders under £20 - £2.99 Postage Fee.

Next Day Delivery and International Shipping Options Available.

When Will My Order Arrive?

Usually dispatched within 24 hours.

Standard Delivery is a Royal Mail Tracked 48 Service and usually arrives within 2-3 working days, including Saturdays.

Express Delivery is either Royal Mail Tracked 24, or DPD service, for delivery within 24 hours.

Order before 2pm for next day delivery.

We’ll aim to dispatch pre-orders so that you receive them on the release date.

For orders back in stock soon, we expect to receive more stock within a week and will dispatch your order as soon as the stock has arrived.

Returns

We’re happy to accept returns for unwanted items provided that they’re returned within 14 days of receipt, unopened, unused and in perfect condition.

About the artist

Kiyoshi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa & Kifu Mitsuhashi

Kiyoshi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa, and Kifu Mitsuhashi may sound like a law firm straight out of a Haruki Murakami novel, but in reality, they are the avant-garde trio shaking up the traditional music scene in Japan. With Kiyoshi on vocals, Toshiko on keys, and Kifu on the shamisen, this eclectic group creates a sound that is truly out of this world. Yamaya's haunting vocals soar over Yonekawa's intricate piano melodies, while Mitsuhashi's shamisen adds a dynamic layer of tradition and innovation. Their music can best be described as a fusion of jazz, traditional Japanese folk, and experimental electronica. Think Enya meets Ryuichi Sakamoto with a dash of Bjork thrown in for good measure. But what sets Kiyoshi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa, and Kifu Mitsuhashi apart from the rest is their magnetic stage presence. They are known for their theatrical live performances, which often feature elaborate costumes, mesmerizing visual projections, and unexpected surprises (spoiler alert: one time, Kiyoshi rode in on a giant robot unicorn). Whether you're a die-hard fan of Japanese music or a curious newcomer looking to expand your musical horizons, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa, and Kifu Mitsuhashi are definitely worth a listen. So grab your headphones, close your eyes, and let their otherworldly sounds transport you to a realm where tradition and innovation collide in the most beautiful way possible.

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