The History of English in 10 Minutes

Local Avant-garde

A couple of weeks ago, I accepted an invitation to join some local musicians to a new venue tucked away in Toyohashi. This city is by no means the definition of 'class,' but has a few secret spots for the buttoned-collar types. This particular restaurant/bar is brand new and has a strong relationship with a local fashion company. To celebrate said company's anniversary, they hosted a local jazz and reggae night. One group, in particular, got my attention.  At first, they were just a really good jazz band.  But, as with all things, the Japanese never pass up a chance to twist the modern with the traditional.  Following a couple of great songs, a woman in kimono came onto stage to play with the bass, drums, keyboard and sax on the shamisen.  This is the Japanese version of a guitar, played with a large pick that resembles the tool we scrape icy windshields with at home.  She then proceeded to get vocal on us.  In all of it's screechy glory.  It was far and away the most unique and enjoyable live music performance I've seen locally in a long time.  

Japanese shamisen