Los Angeles, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Amoeba Music) - They might seem a little on the young side for a career retrospective, but in their relatively short professional lives, the Yoshida Brothers have had quite an impact on the modern music landscape. The Hokkaido-born brothers Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida have become recognized masters of their signature instrument, the tsugaru-shamisen. Originating in China in the 16th Century, the three-stringed instrument found its way to Japan through traveling folk musicians and became an integral element of Japanese classical music. The Yoshida Brothers have now taken the tsugaru-shamisen further than any other modern musician, practically reinventing its sound, leading to a musical style both firmly rooted in the traditions of the past and boldly looking forward to the future.
Superstars in their native Japan, Tsugaru-shamisen virtuosos Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida have effected a cultural revolution with their reinvention of the ancient three-stringed instrument. The new "Best Of" release from Domo Records (www.domo.com) showcases the brothers at their very best, performing rich and varied playing styles. Their ability to effortlessly traverse between genres and also to make one of the world's oldest instruments sound brand-new is astonishing. The disc features cuts from several of their landmark albums, including Hishou, III, and Yoshida Brothers, Vol. 2. One of the album's stand-out tracks is probably also one of the most widely-known, "Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)", has been featured for the past several years in a Nintendo Wii commercial. It has aired all around the world, turning on a whole new set of listeners to the sound of the Yoshida Brothers.
This collection serves as a prime introduction to first-time listeners, as well as an invaluable document for long-time fans and completists. The title of this collection is no doubt misleading, however, as the best is surely yet to come.
On May 10th in Los Angeles, Amoeba Music will welcome The Yoshida Brothers for a special in-store performance! The Yoshida Brothers will also launch their US Tour at the El Rey Theater May14th and host a WILD Wii Bowling and Listening Party in Beverly Hills at Club Aqua on Monday, May 12th
Saturday, May 10th - 2pm The Yoshida Brothers play live at Amoeba Music in Hollywood
6400 Sunset Blvd. (@ Cahuenga), Hollywood, 90028 - 323-245-6400
Monday, May 12th - Aqua Bowling and Listening Party in Beverly Hills, CA
Wednesday May 14th - LIVE in Concert at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles
Amoeba Music is best loved by everyone as the go-to place for all their music requirements - whether CDs, posters, rock memorabilia or DVDs. The three stores based in San Francisco, Berkeley and Hollywood have established themselves as the places where independent artists can perform live, in addition to having their CDs available for fans to purchase. Meanwhile fans have the opportunity to discover new artists/bands and enjoy free, live shows while shopping for their favorite music and movies. Amoeba Music continues to foster community and celebrate music through free, live in-store performances.
Beck calls it "the high church for music geeks."
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Contact: 310-341-3201 or Handsonpr @ aol. com
YOSHIDA BROTHERS US TOUR 2008
May 14 - El Rey Theater - Los Angeles
May 16-18 - Yoshi's - San Francisco
May 20 - Aladdin Theatre - Portland
May 21 - The Triple Door - Seattle
May 23 - Alix Goolden Hall - Victoria, BC
May 24 - Vancouver Playhouse - Vancouver, BC
May 25 - Enwave Theater - Toronto
May 28 - Highline Ballroom - New York
May 30 - Old Town Folk Music - Chicago
May 31 - Cedar Cultural Center - Minneapolis
