It was me who requested this,, I saw them live in Amsterdam a few years back and fell instantly in love with their unique sound. Amazing live, and on record... David,
@@REn-ACTIONS It really doesn't bother me, just seeing your reaction was enough. Seeing them perform live in Amsterdam in a small venue was an experience I'll never forget.
@@mimitan At the Melkweg, they played some promotional shows in Europe after their 2016 US tour, and you're right, I thought it had been filmed but I can't find any mention of it online, or even phone camera footage of that night. there was only about 900 to 1,000 people at the show.
Little background - the singer, Yuko Zuzuhana, is a master composer/lyricist in traditional Japanese music, a master pianist, and cultural ambassador of Japan. They've released 7 albums since 2015, (I have them all in my collection) and are considered one of the most influencual bands in modern Japan. They regularly sell out arenas when they tour Japan, and have played using a full philarmonic orchestra backing them.. The Wagikki Band are one of the very few Japanese bands ever to be invited to perform for the Emperor of Japan,... Post note, after they finished their 2024 tour on January 7th the band have announced that they will go on a permanent hiatus. giving band members to persue their own musical goals.
Yuko formed the band in order to expose a younger generation to traditional Japanese music and instruments. Wagakki, I believe means "traditional instrument" and they blend those traditional and modern instruments seamlessly. As David mentioned, Yuko is a classically trained concert pianist as well as a master of Japanese fan and sword dancing and sings in the Shingin style. Beni, who plays the shamishen (the 4-string banjo-looking instrument), is well-known and has received many awards for playing the shamishen. Legend has it that after the band had already been formed, Beni walked in on one of their rehearsals and simply announced, "I'm going to play with you guys" and that was that! 😂
