Traditional Folk Dances of Japan
Various Artists

This field recording by Mary L. Evans represents a wide variety of traditional Japanese dances with ranging subject matters such as draught, war, famine etc. The recording captures both the music and the noises made by the dancers (grunts, chants, feet stomping) which adds additional energy and depth to the music and draws the listener in further. The liner notes include detailed explanations by Evans of the song meaning and history, as well as information about the dance performances themselves. With photographs and select lyrics (translated into English)
RELATED LESSON PLAN
"An Introduction to Japanese Music: “Sakura, Sakura”"
Track Listing
101
|
Kasa Odori | Young men | 3:31 | |
102
|
Sumiyoshi Odori | People of Sumiyoshi | 2:08 | |
103
|
Mugiya-Bushi Odori | Five to seven boys and girls | 4:20 | |
104
|
Memburyu | Forty or Fifty male dancers | 3:42 | |
105
|
Sado Okesa | Japanese dancers, musicians | 2:42 | |
201
|
Iwasaki Oni Kembai | Six to eight dancers with music played by three flutes, one drum and one bell | 4:16 | |
202
|
Awa Odori | People of all ages | 6:26 | |
203
|
Okubo Odori | Dancers accompanied by one big drum | 1:45 | |
204
|
Gujo Odori | Japanese dancers, musicians | 3:05 | |
205
|
Morioka Stag Dance | Male dancers accompanied by bamboo flutes, samisen, drums and small gongs | 3:06 |