Dueling Shamisen

Last weekend I attended my friend Remi’s shamisen concert. It was his third and most impressive concert to date, as he has become very adept at a difficult instrument.

Here’s Remi looking dapper in his kimono.

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese 3 stringed instrument that combines the slim elegance of a violin, with a sound and playing style closer to that of a banjo. The instrument is often, in Western countries, related to Geisha, however it can be played by anyone. You also may recognize it from the Nintendo Wii commercials.

This is a picture from the first concert I attended, featuring some local Geisha (and the backs of many people’s heads).

Here's an example of dueling shamisen.

And here's an example of something a little more contemporary. I think I like it because the start reminds me of hockey night in Canada.

Enjoy!