Traditional songs from Ikema islands, produced and recorded by Hatsuo Okuhara in the 70s, mastered by Makoto Kubota 2009. 18 tracks.
Traditional songs from Nishihara, Miyako island. Recorded and produced by Hatsuo Okuhara in 1974, mastered by Makoto Kubota in 2009. 22 tracks. Price: £18.99
Traditional songs from Miyako and Tarama island. Featured singers; Hrneys Sarahama, Hiroshi Molishima & his group, Haruko Hamakawa, Hide Miyakuni.
1. Gudinpuu 2. Jurihouka 3. Matsugama Odori 4. Nakayamaabu 5. Amagui nu Uta 6. Maigumui Mauya 7. Myahk-Zutsu Aag 8. Kuichaa Odoi nu Aag 9. Niiima nu Shu 10. Agaizatu n-naka 11. Hidagawa no Mizu 12. Nakayatsu no Kaniku 13. Hounen no Aag 14. Weenma nu Eeg 15. Bakagamu nu Eeg 16. Nakayamabunari 17. Bangamuri
Traditional songs from Hateruma Vol. 1. Featuring Fujie Atofusoko and Mitsuko Nosoko. Price: £18.99
Good quality various artist compilation. Mostly traditional with some modern tracks. The 17 songs include Hiyamikachi Bushi (Akiko Nagama), Asadoya Yunta (Takao Nahama Ayame Band), Acchamee Guwa(Hirokazu Matsuda), Juku no Haru(Hachiro Izumi, Yasuko Miyazato), Urizun no Uta,(Mitsuru Nakasone) Kendo Bushi (Rinsho Kadekaru), Hakuun Bushi (Yoriko Ganeko), Tinsagu nu Hana (Chidori Miyagi) and Toushin Dohi (Hirokazu Matsuda).
A guide to Okinawan minyo. The thirteen tracks include Kana Yoo (Shoei Kina), Chikaina Kuduchi (Rinsho Kadekaru), Koi no Hana (Chosho Maekawa), Wakare no Kemuri (Teihan China), Nariyama Ayagu (Genji Kuniyoshi), Koi Katare (Tsunenori Tunami) and Tomari Takahashi (Seijin Noborikawa). Price: £19.99
Live album recorded at the 'Umi no Hi, Sango no Hi' event held in Nago city in Okinawa in 2008. The event was organized to help 'save the coral' that is fast disappearing from the coastline around Okinawa and is a big local issue. Featured artists include Seijin Noborikawa, Rinken Band, Toru Yonaha and comedian Garage Sale.
1. Anyantindou 2. Ayakari Bushi 3. Kateemun 4. Jibitaa Guwa 5. Mon Tankaa 6. Chatan Maikata, Acchamee Guwa 7. Muraokoshi Bushi 8. Kyodai Kobushi 9. Tonbaru Naakunii 10. Tubaraama, Rokucho 11. Okinawa ga Unda Super Star 12. Anyantindou
Chura Uta Yo is a series of Okinawan compilations, currently six volumes. They include some of Okinawa's most famous songs, sung by some of the most famous artists from the roots pop music world. These include Begin, Sizzle Ohtaka, Shoukichi Kina and many more. This is their 'super best' featuring many of the most popular tracks from their compilations.
1. Begin / Irayoi Tsukiyohama 2. Sizzle Ohtaka / Hana 3. Kaori Futenma / Warabigami 4. Shokichi Kina & Champloose / Haisai Ojisan 5. Begin with Ryoko Moriyama, Rimi Natsukawa / Nada Sou Sou 6. Kaori Futenma / Bashofu 7. Tokiko Kato / Shimauta 8. Seiko Sawada / Nankuru Naisa 9. Begin / Sanshin no Hana 10. Sizzle Ohtaka / Asadoya Yunta 11. Ayakaji / Kiyorano Hana 12. Mika Uchizato / Honen Ondo 13. Isamu Shimoji / Yomotsu Ame 14. Yoriko Ganeko with Chuei Yoshikawa / Tinsagu nu Hana 15. Rinsho Kadekaru / Umi no Chimboora, Akayama 16. Ryoko Moriyama / Satokibi Batake
Price: £20.99
Compiled by and with sleeve notes written by Paul Fisher of the Far Side. From the traditional to the modern, the oldest singers to the youngest and most things in between, the ultimate Okinawa compilation.
Compilation album of roots and traditional shima uta. Dancable Okinawan songs including kacharsee and eisa classics. 15 tracks including Ara Yukito - Kadeku , Toshin Dohi. Rinsho Kadekaru - Toshin Doi, Deigo Musume- Chatanmae, Rinji Kadekaru -Tsuki nu Yoru, Shuken Maekawa - Acchamee-gwa, Ryoichi Nago - Hantabaru plus Nenes and Misako Koja.
Price: £19.99
Yet another Okinawa compilation, this one claiming to be the definitive one. 15 tracks of traditional and modern music, young and old musicians, kacharsee, eisa, lullabies and more. Does include the original and best version of Shokichi Kina's 'Hana'. Full track listing: Kazuko Shiroma / Bashofu, Shokichi Kina & Camploose / Hana, Mika Uchizato / Warabigami, Yoriko Ganeko with Chuei Yoshikawa / Tinsagu nu Hana, Shuken Maekawa / Okinawa Soba no Uta, Seijin Noborikawa / Asadoya Yunta, Ryukyu Orchestra / Juku no Haru, Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang / Haisai Ojisan, Toru Yonaha, Kazutoshi Matsuda / Toushin Dohi, Takashi HIrayasu & Bob Brozman / Chon Chon Kijimuna, Shagaruku Seinenkai / Eisa Gashira.
Good compilation of 'relaxin' Okinawan ballads performed by mostly young artists. Avoids the new age pitfalls, with some of the cream of the roots music scene. Artists include the omnipresent Toru Tonaha, from Miyako island Isamu Shimoji, female singer Chihiro Kamiya, young shamisen player accompanied by piano Suguru Ikeda, the relative vetaran Yukito Ara, from Amami island, young star Kohsuke Atari, duos Acoustic M and Tingara and Uru. Price: £22.99
2 CD set culled from the Victor catalogue. 1975 recordings of the greats Rinsho Kadekaru, Misako Oshiro, Seijin Noborikawa, Genji Kuniyoshi and 90s recordings of Daiku Tetsuhiro and Jintaras, Chieko Iha and Kurikorder Quartet and others. 28 tracks.
Fantastic compilation album of great Okinawan sanshin players down the years, performing classic sanshin tunes. 16 tracks - 1.Seijin Noborikawa / Hayakadiku Bushi 2.Shoei Kina / Amakawa 3.Sadao China / Guiku Yo 4.Toru Yonaha / Uchina Samba 5.Yukichi Yamazato / Majyan-gawa Bushi, Shiraho Bushi 6.Tetsuhiro Daiku / Supinuouza 7.Yukito Ara / Ayahabiru 8.Akira Wakugawa / Achyamegwa 9.Hirokazu Matsuda / Mo Ashibi, Chijya 10.Rinsho Kadekaru / Hinsu Jyurigwa 11.Minoru Kinjo / Nanyo-gaeri 12.Genji Kuniyoshi / Nakadati nu Migagama 13.Kiyofumi Tokuhara / Shimajiri Makabi nu Shyuri nu Shyu. 14.Hironori Teruya- Kadii-ku. 15.Seijin Noborikawa & Sadao China- Suukikanna 16. Rinsho Kadekaru & Seijin Noborikawa / Hantabaru Price: £22.99
Okinawa's Campus Records is run by Bisekatsu, also known as a songwriter and producer in his own right. Bisekatsu has compiled 2 CDs for release in Japan on Respect Records. The first of these 'Omote' (front)features some of greats, Rinsho Kadekaru and Seijin Noborikawa alongside young singers such as Toru Yonaha, Chihiro Kamiya and Mika Uchizato and artists who might have a name in Okinawa but not on the mainland such as Yui Yui Sisters, Shuken Maekawa and the excellent Masao Teruya. A couple of weak tracks but mostly an enjoyable trawl through the catalogue of an outstanding local label. Great Seargent Pepper copy cover with photos of the artists.
Companion to the previous CD, compiled by Bisekatsu of Campus Records in Okinawa. 'Ura' (Back) is a rather more quirky selection of mainly lesser known local artists. These include Shinyu Kuniyoshi, Masaharu Yamauchi, Yasuyuki Hamazato, Tsunehide Tsunami, Toru Yonaha with Kiyofumi Tokuhara, Miyuki Uesedo with Suekichi Matsuda. These are often breezy, easy going or upbeat tunes, a bit poppy but distinctly island music. Elsewhere Teihan China (father of Sadao) Yuki Yamazato and Yukihiro Kamiya add a traditional flavour. Another Sergeant Pepper's cover and a hugely enjoyable CD.
Price: £23.99
Tsuneo Fukuhara is one of Okinawa's greatest musical figures. He is the son of Choki Fukuhara who founded Okinawa's best known independent Marufuku as well as being a musician and songwriter. Tsuneo followed in his footsteps and has written some of Okinawa's most loved melodies from the last 50 years. These include the songs 'Bashofu' 'Shimajima Kaisha' and 'Yuuna no Hana'. This superb album is compiled from four different record labels. 20 tracks of some of Fukuhara's greatest tunes performed a variety of artists. Chieko Iha (Utaya Uta) Hoptones (Furusato no Ame) Yoriko Ganeko with Chuei Yoshikawa (Musume Jintoyo) Four Sisters (Omorouta) Deigo Musume (Nangoku Sodachi) Yasumasa Miyara (Shimajima Kaisha) Aiko Yohen (Chimuganasa Bushi) and others.
Aloha + Haisai, fascinating CD that explores the strong links between the islands of Okinawa and Hawaii. Hawaiian and Okinawan mixtures such as second generation Okinawans in Hawaii singing Okinawan tunes or Okinawan musicians singing Hawaiian influenced tunes, from the 1950s until the present day. 14 tracks, artists include Masao Teruya, Rikki, Makoto Kubota & Yuyake Gakudan, Rinken Teruya & Tomoko Uehara, Sachiko Shima, Clara Shinkawa, Japonesian Band, Tomoaki Maekawa and the songs include Asadoya Yunta, Horehore Bushi, Hawaii Ondo, Honolulu Kouta, Haisai Ojisan, Hawaii Koshin-kyoku and Agarisachi. Price: £23.99
Featuring Testsuhiro Daiku, also Satoru Shimoji, Sachiko Shima, Rikki and others. Mostly Yaeyama and Miyako island artists. Excellent album, highly recommended.
There are so many Okinawan compilations to choose from these days, and this is as good an introduction as you can find. 2CD set, the first is of traditional minyo performed by the greatest musicians such as Rinsho Kadekaru, Seijin Noborikawa, Yukichi Yamazato, Tetsuhiro Daiku and Isamu Asato, Disc 2 is modern minyo by young and mainland singers such as Isamu Shimoji, Parsha Club, Sachiko Shiima, Toru Yonaha, Chihiro Kamiya, Haruomi Hosono, Tingara and Sons of Ailana. Good value, excellent overview of Okinawan music. Price: £23.99
Excellent double CDcompilation. Disc 1 has well known local tunes such as Tsuki nu Kaisha, or Yasukatsu Ohshima singing the traditional Irayoi Tsuki yo Hama, Hasai Ojisan by Makoto Kubota, Haruomi Hosono's excellent Roochoo Gumbo, Shizuru Ohtaka's version of Hana and Finger 5 (the Okinawan Jackson 5) CD 2 is a laid back selection of songs performed by Japanese and Okinawan artists including Sarabandge, Pianica Maeda and Acoustic Parsha.
The Okinawa Best Song Collection, Churauta Yo, has compiled together some of Okinawa's most famous artists and songs over 4 CDs. They were also one of the first to jump on the Okinawa compilation bandwagon. Here they include nine tracks that were on the previous compilations and seven that appear on this CD for the first time. Many of the usual suspects; Rimi Natsukawa's Nada Sou Sou, Shokichi Kina & Champloose 'Haisai Ojisan', Sizzle Ohtaka's version of 'Hana', Nenes 'Niwa no Gajumaru' Misako Koja 'Warabi Gami' plus Yoriko Ganeko & Chuei Yoshikawa, Ryukyu Chimudon Gakudan, Satoko Ishimine, Shuken Maekawa, Kaori Futenma, Ryoko Morimiya and Tokiko Kato. Price: £22.99
Album of mostly modern Okinawan roots music, makes a good companion to the probably better volume 2.
Excellent compilation of modern Okinawan roots music including Shang Shang Typhoon, Rinken Band, Tingara, Takashi Hirayasu, Hidekatsu, and traditional songs by Rinsho Kadekaru and Fusae Kawata. Songs include Shima Uta, Hana, Asadoya Yunta, Umi no Chimbora. Price: £22.99
Another of the popular Okinawan compilations.This one features Begin, Isamu Shimoji, Rimi Natsukawa, Nenes (the old one) Nenes (the new one) Toru Yonaha and Kaori Futenma. Good for an overview of the current scene, but not much to distinguish it from the others.
This series of compilations have established themselves for giving a taster of both tradtional and contemporay Okinawan roots music. This one features on the roots side Sadao China, Misako Koja Tetsuhiro Daiku and Shokichi Kina while Rimi Natsukawa, Kiroro, Parsha Club and Acoustic M cover the Okinawan pop side. Price: £22.99
Yet another compilation of fine Okinawan roots mixtures, this one featuring among it's fifteen tracks The Boom, Shokichi Kina, Misako Koja, Tetsuhiro Daiku, Ikue Asazaki all performing popular Okinawan folk tunes.
Compilation of Respect Records Okinawan artists. 2 tracks from Ryukyu Underground, 4 from Takashi Hirayasu, solo, with Yoshikawa Chuei and remixed by Takuji aka Geetek, plus Seijin Noborikawa. Well sequenced, but works as a label introduction rather than a true Okinawan best of compilation. Price: £22.99
Imagine yourself walking along a beautiful beach in Okinawa. Well, that's exactly what the compilers hope you can do as you listen to a selection of songs and instrumentals with a decidely laid back feel. Excellent selection that includes Donto, Yachimun, Roli, Parsha Club, Sarabandge, Yoshiyuki Chinen, Sanshin Cafe Orchestra, Ganeko Yoriko and Yoshikawa Chuei.
Okinawa's most famous tunes, female vocals over brass and guitar accompaniment. Recommended. Price: £23.99
Excellent compilation of rare and exotic sounding old Okinawa minyo tunes from Marutaka label.
