When playing in front of people, what piece do you use to show off?
A funny thing happened when Grant and I busked in Sapporo. When we played completely traditional minyo, hardly anyone stopped to listen. And when we played different music (Star of County Down) or modern pieces (Yoshida covers), it had the same result.
The only song that really drew a crowd was Kita no Hibiki. The combination of modern flavor and traditional aesthetic really caught their attention.
Then we did our tournament pieces, which some people stayed for. But then the place deserted when we launched into Ringo Bushi or Erghen Diado. 
Kita no Hibiki is what Grant and I call, the “10,000 yen per hour” song. (as we played it about 6 times and got about 1000 yen after each time)
Thats awesome. I just finished learning Kita no Hibiki too. I hope to post a video soon.
And nice crowd. ^^ they all look mesmerized
I’ve seen it before but it was even better this time 
It really is a great song, and funny thing I had a friend over today and I was showing him some stuff from the book and noticed that the tab for this song is in there. Such coincidence, I never knew! I also had to explain to him that yes you can make it sound good even if you keep striking that 16th position over and over again.
I think one of the main reasons this song has such an impact on people is that it is designed for two shamisens. Imo that is what takes the song that step beyond good. MORE OF DUET SHAMISENS PLEASE!
Plus, I saw a guy riding a bike inside a mall. That blew my mind. I’ve had some rum and its past midnight here, and I’m in love with the community!
Yeah, I looove duet shamisen pieces. Ask Grant. I’ve been trying to get him to play duets with me, but he refuses to play Yoshida Brothers or Shibata Sibling pieces. “We could make such a better duet piece!” He’d tell me. I’m still waiting for it.
Ah, this might actually work! When Grant comes back from Japan, we’re going to make an effort to play together more, so all you Bachido heroes can help motivate our practice! If you suggest a duet you’d like us to work on, we’ll make it happen! The enthusiasm from you guys is contagious. :
k-i-z-u-n-a
of course I would also be happy about a whole duet crash course with tabs too . . .
BH,
I notice two things at this very moment.
First thing= you are asking about Kizuna by Hiroshi and Masahiro Nitta.
Second thing= Grant Reimer (your fellow bachido member) is at this very moment hanging out with Hiroshi and Masahiro Nitta (i just got off the phone with Masahiro)
In Sapporo.
I will be calling Anne, Grant and Masahiro tonight to check in on them and will mention it, but hey I’m just sayin… This seems a little like fate for you. Probably right about now would be a good time to use the old Personal Message feature of this site and send old Grant a little kizuna request. I know Masahiro has the score cause we used it in Monsters of Shamisen long time ago. Ask him to pick up the score and remind him to get Masahiro’s permission before he posts it. I am sure good old Nitta won’t mind.
I have sent a message to Grant and thanks and thanks in advance for mentioning this . . . would really be a dream come true which is not an overstatement like I wrote to Grant I would love to get into learning this and improving on my general shamisen techniques in the process of getting into this very piece which is one of my all time favourites . . .
An example of a little bit of the ol’ Kmetz and Reimer show-off piece :
When umbrella was aired on the radio all the time I couldn’t dislike a song more. I’m sorry but Rihanna can do much better. I was working at the post office at this time and all I could hear was Umbrella from the radio. But you guys really took the good parts of the song and made a pleasant listening experience.
Why does it remind me of Monkey Island soundtrack?
I guess because it’s a bit reggae
One song that I would love to see made as a duet is the intro to an album by Testament, which should be known to all you Californian dudes/gals. I think it could sound great, and maybe add a few taiko drums to that.
Haha, sorry to have chosen the one song you hate (Karl).
It’s all part of this strange tradition that got started years ago.
Every spring when the Tsugaru tournaments are held Mike Penny,
Grant, Kyle (in different combinations depending on who was coming out that year)
Have taken it upon ourselves to cover the most random pop/rock songs on Shamisen.
One year it was 80s metal like Yngwie Malmsteen etc. another year it was lady Gaga.
This year Grant and I were watching some lonely island and Rihana vids and decided to try and cover both before Grant took off to Hokkaido.
Like the idea about Testament. Will have to listen later though cause I am still at work at the moment.
You guys have the ability to make it sound really good I can’t wait until I can play duets as well, because that really gives the sound so much more when covering other songs not made for the shamisen. I’m actually working on recording a secret game song cover. I found a MIDI file yesterday and now I’ve worked with it a bit so that it’s ready for me to play my shamisen to. I got the idea last night when it was too late to try it out on the shamisen so I really hope that I can play it. But quite frankly, if I can’t play it properly I will still make a first version. I can’t hope to be perfect before uploading something. Will also have to test whether to record it live while the music comes from the speakers, or if I should wear headphones and then add the shamisen recording as a track.
Glad you like the Testament idea! I think behind all those heavy and nice sounding guitars, the main melody would work really well with a shamisen. I can hear the hajikis coming.
What we’re really trying to do is get Rihanna to play Tsugaru Shamisen. We figure this is just the first step.
Those are both great ideas Karl! Keep them up! I can’t wait. - our videos aren’t ever quite perfect but we still upload them! It’s all about having fun
Haha, that’s true. Personally I am hoping Rihana will hire Grant and I next time she makes a new song. But hey if she learns how to play herself, even better!
Just listened to the Testament track. Yes yes. I can hear the hajikis too.Too bad this didn’t come to our attention earlier eh Grant?
Hey, dame on playing metal without me. I gotta be there to scream, you know.
Why does it remind me of Monkey Island soundtrack?
ooooohhh i love monkey islands !!! Someone MUST make cover RIGHT NOW!
:DD it would sound so epic