The tsugaru shamisen brothers latest album is their most experimental, and possibly best yet. There are some duets including the ever present standards, such as Jonkara Bushi, but what really sets this album apart is the wide range of collaborators, instruments and different types of music. Bass, drums, guitars, percussion, organ, violin, piano, even tablas and flamenco guitar, make for some original new mixtures on pieces that range from uptempo to gentle. Elsewhere, taiko drums and shakuhachi add a Japanese flavour. Stunning and stirring stuff.
