Thanks, Terry. These guys have been around for a few years. The 4 cds I just got all play like half shamisen-fusion and half historical document. Very enjoyable.
That was brilliant! Like Egg, I like traditional instruments being used in a more contempory composition or in a cross-fertilisation of cultural styles.
For example, I love Bond, tho most people who love 'true' classical music look down on them.
I believe, sukerkin, classical looks down on this fine quartet because classical is forced to perform in tuxedos.
Some of my favorite music comes from bhangra, which uses traditional instrumentation in a contemporary setting. While people in the area may disagree, siding with the more street-based hip-hop bhangra, I think Jassi is as decent example as any: