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For many years, the ancient Tsugaru shamisen folk music of northern Japan was nearly a dead art form. But today it has outgrown its antiquated roots, and has even taken on a rather hip image, thanks to Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida, a.k.a. the Yoshida Brothers. Since releasing their debut album, Ibuki, four years ago, the Yoshida Brothers have sparked a nationwide surge in interest in shamisen music, by fusing improvisational arrangements with classical, Japanese pop, jazz, African, Celtic and Flamenco styles. They join us today to offer up a shamisen primer.
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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Noteworthy New York
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We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.
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Soundcheck
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Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Quincy Jones, Henry Rollins and the term "Renaissance man"
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Pop's Love Affair With Death
Soundcheck
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Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?
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Behind the public face of John Lennon
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The Soul of British Soul
Soundcheck
British soul divas like Amy Winehouse and Duffy owe a big debt to a '60s icon with a breathy voice and a beehive wig. Today: the story of singer Dusty Springfield. Later: folk-rock artist Ani DiFranco performs songs from her new album "Red Letter Year" live in our studio.
