So, wow, I mentioned Tsugaru style to my traditional teacher ...

General
#41

The video said it was filmed showa 46 nen, which is 1971, only a few years before I was born. I don’t recall such culture - well, probably it was not a thing happening around my hometown, but realsied how much the world has changed since then. Funny I didn’t grow up experiencing Goza-san’s songs, but they makes me feel somehow nostalgic. It’s a little sad now adays not so many Goze-san around any more, while Tsugaru style shamisen is alive again and lots of young people are taking it up.

The video was really beautiful to watch, thank you!

#42

Sayuri, what was the title of the film? (I don’t read or speak Japanese). Do you think its possible to find the whole thing? I’d really like to see it . I loved the song they were singing. It was very reminiscent of Appalachian folk music, especially in the vocal characteristics.

#43

This is really good - there are 3 mp3s on this site of Goze music, and a lovely history with photos.

#44

Hi Lorraine, the title of this video is called " We can hear Goze’s singing". Basically saying, these blind ladies spent whole their lives travelling and singing for the farm people who didn’t have much entertainment such as TV or radio in those days. This was filmed in 1971, while the Japan’s economy was growing so fast, the scenery of countryside was about to change hugely.

#45

Thank you Sayuri, again! I would really love to see the whole movie - athough, I would have to have someone translate it for me - not a problem. I loved the music of the Goze - it reminded me a little bit of Appalachian singing, especially the way the women vocalized, with drawn out and slightly flat intonations - but with lots of overtones - BEAUTIFUL! Here is an example, (with a man singing, though). It’s music from the mountains, and from “country folk”. Deeply resonant and feeling …

I believe the Abbot Brothers (Kyle, Luke, and co.) sing such music as well.

#46

Also found out there is a movie entitled 「竹山ひとり旅」(Lone travel of Chikuzan). It must be a very good movie and I will lok for a DVD.

#47

Yeeeeeees! That’s the one I have always wanted to watch, Kyoko-san! I’ve seen the trailer on Youtube. I guess the only way to watch it is buying DVD through Amazon???

#48

Oh you guys have got to be kidding me! Right now…I mean “Right in this moment!” I am watching Chikuzan Hitoritabi! Received the DVD copy about a week ago. Then thought, hmm. I should write something on bachido. That’s a very interesting synchronicity. so far it starts with the real Chikuzan talking and playing. My God! This is some of his best playing . I’ve listened to Chikuzan a lot but something about this movie’s introduction. Really…it’s an Amazing example of Chikuzan at his best! Wow!

#49

Did you ever see the “Friends” episode where Ross keeps putting his fingers to his temple, and saying he has a ninja prescience called “UNAGI”?

Unagi, my friend - we have UNAGI! (Actually, I wish I had some unagi right now.'I’m hungry.)

Seriously, though, thank you guys for all this info! This music is amazing, and the more I play and hear, the more I want to play and hear more! I’m very interested in Goze music. What I heard in the clip up above sounds wonderful!

Kevin, could you post the intro to that film without violating any copyrights? I’d love to see what you’re talking about. :slight_smile:

HAHAHA, found it. Here on bachido.com, we have a state of TRUE AWARENESS - unagiiiii …

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