Folk Music of the Amami Islands, Japan
Various Artists

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 | 3:32 | |
102
|
Shigin | Kōgi Fukushima | 1:38 | |
103
|
Asabana Hayari Bushi (Flower of the morning) | Kōgi Fukushima and Eikichi Kazari | 1:42 | |
104
|
Shumichi Nagahama | Kōgi Fukushima | 3:29 | |
105
|
Ima nu Kazekumo (Now the driven clouds) | Kōgi Fukushima and Eikichi Kazari | 2:07 | |
106
|
Mochi Morai Uta (Song for requesting Mochi) | Mayor Kaseda with three women and jyabisen accompaniment | 3:08 | |
107
|
Yerabu Yuri no Hana (Lilies of Yerabu) | Umeno Tajima accompanied by Eikichi Kazari | 1:52 | |
108
|
Shima Sodachi (Island nurture) | Umeno Tajima accompanied by Eikichi Kazari | 2:12 | |
109
|
Rankan Bashi Bushi (Song of the bridge with the railing) | Umeno Tajima accompanied by Eikichi Kazari | 1:57 | |
110
|
Two children's songs | Eikichi Kazari | 0:45 | |
111
|
Ito Kuri Bushi (Broken thread) | Eikichi Kazari | 1:27 | |
112
|
Ichikya Bushi | Yoshi Sakae accompanied by Yekimitsu Takeda | 2:02 | |
113
|
Yerabu Nagkumo Bushi | Yoshi Sakae accompanied by Yekimitsu Takeda | 2:07 | |
114
|
Umi no Sasakusa | Yekimitsu Takeda | 1:10 | |
115
|
Bon Odori | S. Nishiyama | 2:12 | |
116
|
Bo Odori (Staff dance) | Group of Nesebu dancers | 1:01 | |
117
|
Hachigatsu Odori (August dances) | Group of Nesebu dancers | 5:37 | |
118
|
Te Odori (Hand dances) | Group of Nesebu dancers and musicians | 3:45 |