Folk Music of the Amami Islands

This disc presents the distinctive folk music of the Amami Archipelego in Japan. Amami dialects, folktales, and traditions, although recognizable to someone familiar with Japanese culture, reflect the islands’ historical separation. Folk Songs of the Amami Islands presents several individual vocal performances accompanied by the jyabisen, a three-stringed plucked lute. Along with songs recounting various folktales and customs, there are also lullabies and children’s songs sung unaccompanied by some performers.

Track Listing

101	Waka Rōsho Kōgi Fukushima	03:32
102	Shigin Kōgi Fukushima	01:38
103	Asabana Hayari Bushi Kōgi Fukushima and Eikichi Kazari	01:42
104	Shumichi Nagahama Kōgi Fukushima	03:29
105	Ima nu Kazekumo Kōgi Fukushima and Eikichi Kazari	02:07
106	Mochi Morai Uta Mayor Kaseda of Naze City, Mmes. Giire, Take, Hatake, Eikichi Kazari	03:08
107	Yerabu Yuri no Hana Umeno Tajima accompanied by Eikichi Kazari	01:52
108	Shima Sodachi Umeno Tajima accompanied by Eikichi Kazari	02:12
109	Rankan Bashi Bushi Umeno Tajima accompanied by Eikichi Kazari	01:57
110	Two Children’s Songs Eikichi Kazari	00:45
111	Ito Kuri Bushi Eikichi Kazari	01:27
112	Ichikya Bushi Yoshi Sakae accompanied by Yekimitsu Takeda	02:02
113	Yerabu Nagkumo Bushi Yoshi Sakae accompanied by Yekimitsu Takeda	02:07
114	Umi no Sasakusa Yekimitsu Takeda	01:10
115	Bon Odori S. Nishiyama	02:12
116	Bo Odori Men, women, and children of Nesebu village	01:01
117	Hachigatsu Odori Men, women, and children of Nesebu village	05:37
118	Te Odori Two dancers with orchestra and chorus, Nesebu village	03:45