Agatsuma - En

Domo Records

The basic sound of the traditional Japanese instrument called the shamisen is probably recognizable to any Western ear with an Eastern palette. The twang and pluck of it is reminiscent of a banjo, but tempered with the hum of a sitar. And, I will admit, before I heard Agatsuma wield this instrument on En, I mainly thought of it as a soundtrack to my sushi.

Even initially listening to the disc, I thought the mix between flute, saxophone, piano, and shamisen was a bit cloying. Some of the saxophone solos and keyboarding wax elevator music-y. Then I found myself putting the CD on while folding the laundry, doing the dishes, and, eventually, just because I realized I enjoyed it. I felt like I had acquired a new taste or finally appreciated the nuances of a good glass of wine.

Agatsuma layers meditative and energetic songs throughout the CD. It’s a textured listening experience, and the undeniable jewel of it all is Agatsuma’s playing. In fact, I wish he were more featured in some of the tracks. I found myself most drawn to those where his delicate and detailed playing isn’t adulterated by faux-jazz. The standout track is “Mogami Riverboat Song” because it mixes the shamisen with an evocative, soulful male voice – an accompaniment worthy of the pairing. Although the purpose of En is to bring together many styles and influences, I’ll admit that it made me a purist. En is powerful when it lets Agatsuma’s playing just do its work. It creates an expanding and expansive effect.

Review by Jo Ristow

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En