Gotsu Folk Suite

Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The white waves of the Sea of Japan, the ancient hot springs nestled in the mountains, the thousand terraced rice fields, and the Oe River-the largest river in the Chugoku region. A suite of nine songs has been created that weaves together the scenery and daily life of this town.

Part 1 depicts the town's original landscape, opening out onto the Sea of Japan. It features the sacred groves and white waves of Namiko and Keigawa; the red roof tiles and flames of the climbing kilns in Tsunotsu; and the windmill-dotted hills of Asari and Kuromatsu, along with Mt. Murogami-all set to folk, blues, and Celtic-style ballads.

Part 2 depicts life nestled in the mountains. It portrays the stone-step streets of Arifuku Onsen through a hot spring waltz; the post town and terraced rice fields of Atoichi and Chida through country-folk; and the spring waters and flames of the tatara ironworks in Izawa and Kaneda through ethnic-progressive music.

Part 3 is an ode to the Eno River. It features a festive march celebrating the port at the river's mouth and the ferry boats, a ballad of the great river shrouded in morning mist, and a grand finale where Kagura dances in the Hachinohe River Gorge-the suite draws to a close in prayer with a Kagura rock finale.

Shinobue, taiko, shamisen, and kagura flute. Acoustic guitar, cello, brass, and strings. This "Self-Portrait of Gotsu" is woven from nine distinct timbres, blending Japanese and Western sounds. Nostalgic for those who know Gotsu, yet new to those who don't-please start with just one song, the song of your town.