Wii Would Like To Play [The Shamisen]

If you’re a fan of not-so-usual bands, then you’re in for a treat! The Yoshida Brothers are a musical group in Japan that play a Japanese classical musical instrument called the Shamisen. Although their style of music is not classical Japanese, it does take much of it and creates a fusion of sorts. Their Shamisen playing is often times accompanied by a typical rock band backing (Drums, bass, piano, etc…).

Believe it or not, many of you are already familiar with this group. Have you ever turned on the TV and had a commercial for the Nintendo Wii come on? You guessed it: The Yoshida Brothers did the music for the Nintendo Wii commercials! If you didn’t like the music in the commercials , don’t let it scare you off. I implore you all to wait until you reach the end of the page, and click the final video before you make your mind.

And this is the actual song that is being played. It’s a really nice performance. Although this is just a Shamisen performance between the brothers, no music backings.

Now I know there are a lot of videos in this post, but bear with me. This is a song I have personally picked called “Nikata”. It has all above mentioned backings whatnot, and they present it in a fun and interesting manner without really breaking the classical barrier. It’s a sort of twist between rock and Japanese classical and my personal favorite song.

~ by yoyokirby on April 14, 2009.