I was wondering....how do you go about learning a song? Is it written down in some form or notation? Or is it just taught by example and you eventually compose your own song?
Maybe it's the acoustics of the outdoors vs the indoors, but I prefer the first performance that you did just for us. Both were very enjoyable, thanks for sharing!
for me it is so so interesting that you can hear the different way of playing one song :D that makes shamisen so mesmerizing for me! In two days one song can tell different stories
Hey Norm, I just wanted to let you know I used your story, your journey with learning Shamisen, as the premise of a lesson with my grade 2 kids yesterday. It was a lesson on perseverance and nurturing what you learn. My students struggle with perseverance when things are hard and telling them how relentlessly you practice and getting them to think about how long you’ve been playing (compared to how long they’ve been alive) put it into an awesome perspective for them. They were so glued to the screen when I showed them the snippets of you playing the Shamisen and they made so many amazing connections to western instruments to make sense of what they were listening to. Your music entertained 22 little Aussie kids who keep asking “when can we watch more of Norms videos?” I hope this brightened your day! Jess
Hearing a master buzz a single note on a song hes been playing for 3 years is the closest ive ever come to seeing a god bleed and as a lesser musician fills me with alot of hope and inspiration. Your dedication to your art is mesmerizing! Thank you for sharing.
Every master makes mistakes. Mistakes are what make music music. There are famously mistakes and sour notes in some of the most famous recorded songs in history by legendary musicians. I know Shamisen might be different and from a cultural standpoint, I understand that there's probably something to perfection but, imo, mistakes give character and desanitize what might otherwise seem mechanical.
I still remember seeing this for the first time a few years ago and being blown away. Norm you looked so great performing, sounded even better, and it’s truly a joy to see you doing something that you love so much and have spent so much time on!
This is great! For mother's day, I made a traditional Japanese meal for my in-laws, and we listened to the Yoshida Brothers, and I think that was the first time that I ever sat down and listened to shamisen music. But man, yours has so much energy and felt a lot different from their stuff we listened to. Sorry you didn't feel fully prepared this year (based on your comments in other videos), but you've got a whole year to get ready for next time!
Thanks so much~ This year was really just for the experience Definitely playing the long game on this one and making next year the experience of a lifetime! Thank you again and so glad you enjoyed it!
Everyone is saying the one outside was better (indeed great) but that one at the end had me feeling some type of way. I love it. (Literally just learned about this instrument 4 days ago, which lead me here from watching "Those Snow White Notes")
You mentioned that you've been working on this song for 3 years, made me wonder how long have you be playing the Shamisen? Also, Sherry all hunched over, trying to avoid the rain, but still with the biggest smile on her face at 10:00, just so charming.
For those interested, from the video: 15:10 I have been playing the shamisen now for 15:12 six years I feel like my learning curve 15:15 was a little different than average 15:17 because I was for that six years that 15:19 I've been playing I've been playing on 15:21 average at least three hours a day
Thanks for sharing the video! I liked your performance to us better than the one that you gave on stage. I'm glad that you had fun and it was fun seeing Sherry with you. Best of luck next year!
Wow! Thank you for the private performance. I'm blown away by how good you are. However, I'm looking at your right hand and wrist and wondering if Shamisen players end up with RSI on their strumming hand. The angle and the effort (especially in the fast passages) makes my own wrist ache just to look at it :) I'm glad you have such a positive attitude to your participation in the competition. For sure this kind of thing is a matter of constant, incremental improvement. Competition gives you a way of measuring your progress (I hope you got some kind of notes, if not from the judges then from fellow players in the audience). It's obviously a passion for you and you have a genuine talent. Keep up the good work and next year will surely see you on the list. Thank you for taking us on the journey!
Thanks so much! and yea, within my first 2 years, I suffered a bit of wrist injury its a delicate balance learning to hold the plectrum and strike Without using force. If you put force into it, you will strain the wrist finding that balance took 3 years lol thank you again!
Thanks for taking us along. The views were beautiful on your drive there. Bahaha apple station. Also thanks for explaining the contest a bit I was curious what the judging was based on, etc. Your performance was awesome! I think you did great and it sounded beautiful, best of luck next year-- love your positive outlook. ♡
I can't believe I've never commented on this one. It's been amazing to hear how your rendition has evolved over the years. One of my favorite videos. 津軽三味線 💜 I smile every time. Love the outdoor performance because it shows all the love you have for your shamisen and your journey.
We finally got to see you playing! You play so wonderfully; thank you for showing us! Also, glad you guys managed to get back inside once it started to rain, tho it was very funny to see you and Sherry running.
Awesome Norm! I am glad I am not a judge, it would kill me to say someone was less or more then the next person. Amazing place. Oh, and Norm you did great playing both times. Amazing sound.
Congrats on your performance!! wow, you did look relaxed in there! You really seems to have a plan for your shamisen studies, nice objective for next year!! you can do it! This park was so beautiful! thanks for sharing those sakura . And big hello to Sherry! she is such a ray of sunshine! I love to see her in your videos !
Wow great job Norm!! So cool how hard you've been working towards this and you killed that shamisen, definitely has made me appreciate it more as an instrument and learn more about it! Thanks for bringing us along!
I remember watching this video back in end of 2018, beginning of 2019 as the first video of yours that I watched. I am glad I found this video way back then and thoroughly enjoy all of the content over the years. Iit was you passion that is demonstrated in this video that got my hooked, which you have in many areas of your life.
Congrats Norm! You did a great job of getting out there and competing!! Can't wait to see your name on the winner's list sometime soon! :P I know how hard it is to put yourself on stage for everyone to see so well done for even just doing that!! :D
Norm you played so beautifully. You brought me to tears while watching. Even orange tabby cat 🐈 started purring as I watched. I can’t wait to see you play your shamisen live. As always YOU ROCK!!!!!
Loved it, thanks for sharing. I was watching this video and as I was listening to you play outside my dog ran from the bedroom into the living room jumped in my lap and put her ear to my speaker. She never does that, I think she liked it lol 😍.
You did a great job! Both performances were fantastic, but I do agree that the private performance sounded better because of the setting. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and thank you Sherry for filming.
just closing my eyes and imagining that I am where all of those blossoming sakura and listening to your tsugaru shamisen - blissful! norm & sherry - "accompanying" you both on this trip has been truly joyful. 両方のあなたの旅を共有していただきありがとうございます。
Thanks so much for sharing with us! So lovely of you to play for us aswell as the stage performance. I think you did so well on stage - your dynamic ranges were greater then IMO.
The first performance was my favorite, but they were both magnificent. It's easy to get lost in the music- is it weird that I find it relaxing? Thank you once again for taking us along on your adventures.
What a great day to revisit some of your older vids. Hope we’ll see more of this content in the future. Hoping your hand is getting much better after your accident.
As a newcomer to the channel it was great to find a video where I could hear you play shamisen. It looks so difficult to play and your dedication certainly paid off. Both performances were amazing but I could definitely sense your enjoyment more in the outdoor performance. Possibly the recording/acoustics were better too being closer to you. Either way I’m so happy you shared this, even though it was a long time ago, and that I stumbled across it!
Gorgeous Shamisen playing..... amazing!! Thank you for sharing it with us!!! You are such a wonderful person!! Thanks, Sherry, for taping all of these for Norm (and us) :D
Thank you sooo much for this video! I think I do love a lot about Japan, but the classical music is always a bit harder to fall in love - for me (and in a lot of countries)!! But over the many, many years of loving Japan I now have a better understanding and you had and have a major impact of my love for the Shamisen. You have a way to teach the joy and appreciation, it is quite contagious ;D Thank you for bringing /explaining / teaching us this culture! I feel the obligation to bow now!!
My family and I are taking a trip to Tokyo in less than two months, and I find your videos extremely helpful. I just want to thank you for making such awesome videos. I love watching you and Sherry together. Keep up the awesome work!
Replayed both of your performances several times, definitely going to have to scour the city for a place i can watch live shamisen when i'm in Tokyo next week
I have so much gratitude for Anyone who will take the time to watch my Shamisen Journey Thank you so much~ As for where to go in Tokyo I’ve put up a video somewhere on the channel called “The Best Restaurant in Tokyo” It’s a Shamisen restaurant And it’s amazing
@@TokyoLens crazy, i was JUST looking at their website thinking.. what.. how.. lol, but seeing how you so strongly suggest it, i'm going to try emailing them to make a reservation. WAY more stoked for this upcoming trip now, thanks for the recommendation! Looking forward to any future vlogs of your Shamisen Journey!
Random thought here...what I like most about all your videos is there's never anyone starting drama in the comments. A few of the other channels I follow are the opposite...you and your viewers are so restful and calm. It's marvelous.
Sorry I'm late to the party but it was great to see and hear you playing a full piece. And I have to thank you, Norm, for turning me on to tsugaru shamisen in the first place with a TH-cam video of 輝&輝 some while back. My playlist of their music alone on here now totals more than 70 performances. In the meantime, I've lost count of the versions of jongara bushi I've heard, since lots of people post videos of competitions on here and it's always a favourite. Anyway, thanks again for your artistry and skills in both playing and presenting this wonderful music for us! 頑張って！
Thank you so much for sharing Norm! I'm so glad I could finally hear you play! Your eyes seemed definitely more relaxed when you played outside, than for the judges, but both were amazing! Kudos for having three years of work come to fruition-good luck next year! (On a side note, the shot of the rain hitting the roof was gorgeous!!! :) )
This was one of the first of your vids that I saw. Glad to be back and rewatching it. Back then it was just a random thing fed by by an impersonal algorithm. Now, it’s part of learning more about Norm and his journeys.
凄い！that was amazing! I honestly believe you'll make that champions list next year for sure! Also.. Those night shots of rain and sakura were perfect... Could totally use that B roll to make yourself a shamisen music video!
I started watching your vlog because I am interested in Japanese culture and you have a very likable personality, but I've really been getting into Shamisen recently and enjoy it more than the other cultural aspects of your vlog. I love your performance outside and think its way better than the one you did for the judges. You were good for them but you were amazing in the relaxed setting. Your flow was completely different and I was tapping along with your playing. When you played for the judges it didn't move me the same way. I have no doubt that you have the talent to become a Shamisen master and look forward to hearing you play more.
I would say “our” performance was better but that may be because the sound quality was different , the stage performance didn’t sound as clear (for obvious reasons) Besides that though it was really awesome to get to see you play a full song , thanks Norm ! Keep up the practice and good luck on next year’s competition !
I got to say love both of your performance and I'm no expert but if I may. The tournament version intro the plucks were harder than the one for the fans also the fans version sounded more relaxed and smooth.
That was (still) so awesome! I was digging it hard, it is like Samurai rock and roll for me. I want more shamisen on this channel, I just love the sound and feel to it. I noticed your tongue was not "rocking" as much on stage as it was for our "private" show, maybe that is your magic mojo eyh :) I mean, when ever you see some of the guitar legends go ham on their guitars, the tongue can not seem to stay put :D I was thinking of a shoot "move" you can try, see if its any good (don't remember if you used it), I call it "The Curious Walk". You basically start with a shot of your feet walking and then you do one of your fast pans and do it upward. Now the camera is looking around in the area, like a curious person, then do a fast pan down to the walking feet again. During the fast pans you can change the area shots. So it feels like every time we look up from the walking feet there is a new place to look at. Just a thought, could be cool or could be cheesy, like bad smelling cheese that is :D
Excellent! When I was (a lot) younger I used to play a musical instrument and I totally agree that playing on stage in front of people is very, very, different than just playing more "casually" no matter how nervous or confident you are feeling. Btw love the shot late in the video (before your competition performance) with the rain coming off the roof at night.
You. Are. Amazing!!! I always love hearing new instruments & seeing people who have a passion for it, play. Thank you for the awesome performance! I'm so glad i discovered this channel. All love!💛
So I am a VERY Happily engaged woman, but I am at least a LITTLE bit in love with Norm... Your enthusiasm and love for your instrument is glorious. Seems every video for yours I have watched makes me more and more a fan. Thank you for what you do, sir.
Great Video as always my favourite japanese Instruments are the Koto and the Biwa but the Shamisen keeps getting closer thanks to amazing People like you.
I had never heard of Shamisen until I started watching your videos and I've really come to like the sound of it. I'm also so impressed by all the work and practise that goes into playing the instrument. I'm definitely not one to judge your playing, but I think your style of playing gives a feeling of love and admiration for the music (if that makes sense). And finally, another beautifully shot and edited video!!
Man, this was super cool seeing you perform. It's super interesting how hard you can go at the strings compared to something like guitar. Always wanted to learn shamisen but being overseas and it's already quite expensive to get a decent shamisen experience it seems like
It's kind of interesting to me that you don't know what you are being judged on. I feel like it adds an element of surprise and excitement. I know in the U.S. if I were to say, grade a student on something without telling them how they would be assessed, I'd get an earfull lol.
I see where you were docked marks during the competition. When you performed in a relaxed setting you played much better and really well because you were relaxed and your fingers did not stick to the strings (they flowed more like water). For your next competition picture youself playing for a good friend. That might help you relax or if your good friend is there have them sit infront of you where you can see them and focus on them. Make the stage and bright lights disapear. Smile and have fun. :)
Amazing work! I love see the mottos "practice, practice, practice" and "try, try again". That stage does have those feelings of "This is what you've worked for" and pure excitement. I've played in a bunch of different musical settings, and I think Jazz band was the best experience. Having a small collection of equally great player on a stage, but can rock the house. You can also stand out just one is out of sync... plus improv solos. I look forward to hearing how you do next year. You may not win them all, but if you enjoy the ride... We are all proud. Keep it up!
The day is Finally here!!
Any questions? Leave me a comment!
Thank you for sharing your shamisen performance.
Will look forward to next year ^_^
I was wondering....how do you go about learning a song? Is it written down in some form or notation? Or is it just taught by example and you eventually compose your own song?
Dying to hear how you did!! Sounds awesome, by the way!
Maybe it's the acoustics of the outdoors vs the indoors, but I prefer the first performance that you did just for us. Both were very enjoyable, thanks for sharing!
Here's a question - what is your shamisen made out of? The body, the wood for the neck, the bachi. Was it made just for you?
IT'S TIIIIIIMMMMEEEEE FOR THE TOURNAMENT!!!!!!!! ARC!!!!!!!!! 😆😆😆😆
I just watched the anime Those Snow White Notes and the mc played Jongara in the first episode. So I looked it up and you're the first result.
Fantastic show!
boy I've been watching the shit out of that show and loving it!
yeah same for me
It shows how much anime is effective in spreading culture
for me it is so so interesting that you can hear the different way of playing one song :D that makes shamisen so mesmerizing for me! In two days one song can tell different stories
Hey Norm,
I just wanted to let you know I used your story, your journey with learning Shamisen, as the premise of a lesson with my grade 2 kids yesterday. It was a lesson on perseverance and nurturing what you learn. My students struggle with perseverance when things are hard and telling them how relentlessly you practice and getting them to think about how long you’ve been playing (compared to how long they’ve been alive) put it into an awesome perspective for them.
They were so glued to the screen when I showed them the snippets of you playing the Shamisen and they made so many amazing connections to western instruments to make sense of what they were listening to.
Your music entertained 22 little Aussie kids who keep asking “when can we watch more of Norms videos?”
I hope this brightened your day!
Jess
Jess,
That
Is
Amazing!
Thank you so much for sharing that!
Just incredible
I’m really glad to hear it.
You definitely made my day!
Both versions sounded great to me. Admittedly I'm no expert but the sound seemed nicer outside.
yea... I liked that one better too lol
I think it’s because of the echo
Hearing a master buzz a single note on a song hes been playing for 3 years is the closest ive ever come to seeing a god bleed and as a lesser musician fills me with alot of hope and inspiration.
Your dedication to your art is mesmerizing! Thank you for sharing.
Every master makes mistakes. Mistakes are what make music music. There are famously mistakes and sour notes in some of the most famous recorded songs in history by legendary musicians. I know Shamisen might be different and from a cultural standpoint, I understand that there's probably something to perfection but, imo, mistakes give character and desanitize what might otherwise seem mechanical.
Anymore kowtowing and you won’t have any time to practice.
That was a great performance! Next time I want to see you play shamisen wearing hakama and kimono like the Yoshida Brothers.
I really wish I was youtubing 4 years ago when I played on stage in Hakama WITH one of the yoshida brothers lol
Tokyo Lens Oh, that is something I would have loved to watch.
Watching this 3 years later. Such a talented person you are!
I still remember seeing this for the first time a few years ago and being blown away. Norm you looked so great performing, sounded even better, and it’s truly a joy to see you doing something that you love so much and have spent so much time on!
This is great! For mother's day, I made a traditional Japanese meal for my in-laws, and we listened to the Yoshida Brothers, and I think that was the first time that I ever sat down and listened to shamisen music. But man, yours has so much energy and felt a lot different from their stuff we listened to. Sorry you didn't feel fully prepared this year (based on your comments in other videos), but you've got a whole year to get ready for next time!
Thanks so much~
This year was really just for the experience
Definitely playing the long game on this one and making next year the experience of a lifetime!
Thank you again and so glad you enjoyed it!
Everyone is saying the one outside was better (indeed great) but that one at the end had me feeling some type of way. I love it.
(Literally just learned about this instrument 4 days ago, which lead me here from watching "Those Snow White Notes")
saaaaaaaaame!
Joining the Snow White Notes fanclub here
SAME
You mentioned that you've been working on this song for 3 years, made me wonder how long have you be playing the Shamisen? Also, Sherry all hunched over, trying to avoid the rain, but still with the biggest smile on her face at 10:00, just so charming.
Thanks
Im 90% sure that I answered that in here somewhere: th-cam.com/video/xihe8ja2wlw/w-d-xo.html
maybe.... lol
For those interested, from the video:
15:10 I have been playing the shamisen now for
15:12 six years I feel like my learning curve
15:15 was a little different than average
15:17 because I was for that six years that
15:19 I've been playing I've been playing on
15:21 average at least three hours a day
I’m 3 years late, this was an amazing performance!! 💜
Already super natsukashiiiiiii☺️☺️☺️
Good times💕
Thanks for sharing the video! I liked your performance to us better than the one that you gave on stage. I'm glad that you had fun and it was fun seeing Sherry with you. Best of luck next year!
::standing ovation::
So cool! I was excited to see you play. The sound of the shamisen makes me get happy goosebumps.
haha love it! I get those goosebumps too~!
So excited for this. You’re ridiculously talented, Norm! I certainly hope your hand heals enough that we can hear you play again!
Wow! Thank you for the private performance. I'm blown away by how good you are. However, I'm looking at your right hand and wrist and wondering if Shamisen players end up with RSI on their strumming hand. The angle and the effort (especially in the fast passages) makes my own wrist ache just to look at it :)
I'm glad you have such a positive attitude to your participation in the competition. For sure this kind of thing is a matter of constant, incremental improvement. Competition gives you a way of measuring your progress (I hope you got some kind of notes, if not from the judges then from fellow players in the audience). It's obviously a passion for you and you have a genuine talent. Keep up the good work and next year will surely see you on the list. Thank you for taking us on the journey!
Thanks so much!
and yea, within my first 2 years, I suffered a bit of wrist injury
its a delicate balance
learning to hold the plectrum and strike Without using force.
If you put force into it, you will strain the wrist
finding that balance took 3 years lol
thank you again!
your vlogs are always so beautifullll and amazing performance!
Holy crap! This is amazing Norm!!
Thanks (^-^)
Excellent! It was great to finally hear you play! ❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank You! And a special Thank you to Sherry for recording it all!👍🏻💖💖💖💖💖
You sound great!! It's cool to hear an instrument I have never heard before! Thank you!
Thank you, Brooke!
So glad to have you here and really happy that you enjoyed it
Norm, it’s amusing (in a good way) to watch you “go into the zone” when you start to play shamisen! Thanks for sharing one of your passions!
The vibe between the two performances is so different!
Thanks for taking us along. The views were beautiful on your drive there. Bahaha apple station. Also thanks for explaining the contest a bit I was curious what the judging was based on, etc. Your performance was awesome! I think you did great and it sounded beautiful, best of luck next year-- love your positive outlook.
♡
Thank you so much, Rachel~
Simply put... Freakin AMAZING Norm. Made my day for sure 👍 So pumped for my day because of YOU and this vlog. Thanks man... You rock 🤟🤟🤟
Thanks Drew!
I can't believe I've never commented on this one. It's been amazing to hear how your rendition has evolved over the years. One of my favorite videos. 津軽三味線 💜 I smile every time. Love the outdoor performance because it shows all the love you have for your shamisen and your journey.
We finally got to see you playing! You play so wonderfully; thank you for showing us! Also, glad you guys managed to get back inside once it started to rain, tho it was very funny to see you and Sherry running.
haha thanks
that rain though... lol
Man, your energy! I loved hearing you play, but most of all, loved your enthusiasm.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos Norm :).
Thank you (^-^)
Awesome Norm! I am glad I am not a judge, it would kill me to say someone was less or more then the next person. Amazing place. Oh, and Norm you did great playing both times. Amazing sound.
Thanks so much~
Congrats on your performance!! wow, you did look relaxed in there! You really seems to have a plan for your shamisen studies, nice objective for next year!! you can do it! This park was so beautiful! thanks for sharing those sakura . And big hello to Sherry! she is such a ray of sunshine! I love to see her in your videos !
Wow great job Norm!! So cool how hard you've been working towards this and you killed that shamisen, definitely has made me appreciate it more as an instrument and learn more about it! Thanks for bringing us along!
Allison, thank you so much~
I am really glad that I could bring you all along!
and super pumped that you joined!
I remember watching this video back in end of 2018, beginning of 2019 as the first video of yours that I watched. I am glad I found this video way back then and thoroughly enjoy all of the content over the years. Iit was you passion that is demonstrated in this video that got my hooked, which you have in many areas of your life.
Congrats Norm! You did a great job of getting out there and competing!! Can't wait to see your name on the winner's list sometime soon! :P I know how hard it is to put yourself on stage for everyone to see so well done for even just doing that!! :D
Thanks Emily!
I was actually on there last year!
But had very different goals this year.
SOOO excited for next year........
What?! You should've said! Never-the-less, good job!
Norm you played so beautifully. You brought me to tears while watching. Even orange tabby cat 🐈 started purring as I watched. I can’t wait to see you play your shamisen live. As always YOU ROCK!!!!!
The Shamisen playing on a rainy day, surrounded by all my friends , what a perfect day :)
Wow..that was amazing!!!Thank you for playing for us!!!!
What I appreciate more how much you take care of the instrument itself you go extra steps how it's raining out you cared enough to wrap it up
thomas emory it’s insanely expensive so yeah
Loved it, thanks for sharing. I was watching this video and as I was listening to you play outside my dog ran from the bedroom into the living room jumped in my lap and put her ear to my speaker. She never does that, I think she liked it lol 😍.
You did a great job! Both performances were fantastic, but I do agree that the private performance sounded better because of the setting. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and thank you Sherry for filming.
just closing my eyes and imagining that I am where all of those blossoming sakura and listening to your tsugaru shamisen - blissful! norm & sherry - "accompanying" you both on this trip has been truly joyful. 両方のあなたの旅を共有していただきありがとうございます。
Amazing! Thank you for sharing with us your experiences for this tournament and you playing the shamisen.
Thanks so much for sharing with us! So lovely of you to play for us aswell as the stage performance. I think you did so well on stage - your dynamic ranges were greater then IMO.
Thank youuuu
Both of the performances was great. The train station shamisen sound is awesome too.
No clue why this got recommended to me, but I'm digging it. I guess this means I'll be spending the next hour in a rabbit hole of your videos.
The first performance was my favorite, but they were both magnificent. It's easy to get lost in the music- is it weird that I find it relaxing? Thank you once again for taking us along on your adventures.
What a great day to revisit some of your older vids. Hope we’ll see more of this content in the future. Hoping your hand is getting much better after your accident.
Wow. Ive never heard this instrument before- it sounds wonderful and watching the technique is so intricate.
Thank you for letting us see your shamisen playing! "This year we're just getting warmed up." (Norm smirks) ...haha!
You were so chill before, during, and after. Amazing!
Great job - love the rawness of the shamisen. Awesomeness...
Awesome sauce Norm!!!! Very cool and like you said there's always next year. I think both performances were pretty good.
As a newcomer to the channel it was great to find a video where I could hear you play shamisen. It looks so difficult to play and your dedication certainly paid off. Both performances were amazing but I could definitely sense your enjoyment more in the outdoor performance. Possibly the recording/acoustics were better too being closer to you. Either way I’m so happy you shared this, even though it was a long time ago, and that I stumbled across it!
Gorgeous Shamisen playing..... amazing!! Thank you for sharing it with us!!! You are such a wonderful person!! Thanks, Sherry, for taping all of these for Norm (and us) :D
Thank you sooo much for this video! I think I do love a lot about Japan, but the classical music is always a bit harder to fall in love - for me (and in a lot of countries)!! But over the many, many years of loving Japan I now have a better understanding and you had and have a major impact of my love for the Shamisen. You have a way to teach the joy and appreciation, it is quite contagious ;D Thank you for bringing /explaining / teaching us this culture! I feel the obligation to bow now!!
My family and I are taking a trip to Tokyo in less than two months, and I find your videos extremely helpful. I just want to thank you for making such awesome videos. I love watching you and Sherry together. Keep up the awesome work!
Replayed both of your performances several times, definitely going to have to scour the city for a place i can watch live shamisen when i'm in Tokyo next week
I have so much gratitude for Anyone who will take the time to watch my Shamisen Journey
Thank you so much~
As for where to go in Tokyo
I’ve put up a video somewhere on the channel called “The Best Restaurant in Tokyo”
It’s a Shamisen restaurant
And it’s amazing
@@TokyoLens crazy, i was JUST looking at their website thinking.. what.. how.. lol, but seeing how you so strongly suggest it, i'm going to try emailing them to make a reservation. WAY more stoked for this upcoming trip now, thanks for the recommendation! Looking forward to any future vlogs of your Shamisen Journey!
I highly recommend lunch over dinner!!
There’s also an entire playlist in the playlist tab called “shamisen”!! It all makes its way into there!!
Holy Sheeet! That was Amazing! Yo go Norm!!! Thank you for always sharing!!!
Random thought here...what I like most about all your videos is there's never anyone starting drama in the comments. A few of the other channels I follow are the opposite...you and your viewers are so restful and calm. It's marvelous.
Thank you so much Norm. It was well worth the wait to hear and see you play.
Thank you for sharing your shamisen performances, most excellent!
Watching some of your older videos. I enjoyed this one a lot and I think your impromptu performance outside sounded a lot better.
Sorry I'm late to the party but it was great to see and hear you playing a full piece.
And I have to thank you, Norm, for turning me on to tsugaru shamisen in the first place with a TH-cam video of 輝&輝 some while back. My playlist of their music alone on here now totals more than 70 performances.
In the meantime, I've lost count of the versions of jongara bushi I've heard, since lots of people post videos of competitions on here and it's always a favourite.
Anyway, thanks again for your artistry and skills in both playing and presenting this wonderful music for us!
頑張って！
Thank you so much for sharing Norm! I'm so glad I could finally hear you play! Your eyes seemed definitely more relaxed when you played outside, than for the judges, but both were amazing! Kudos for having three years of work come to fruition-good luck next year! (On a side note, the shot of the rain hitting the roof was gorgeous!!! :) )
Thank you so much!
You playing the shamisen was just amazing! The sound is amazing 😍
Thank you so much 😊
Two thumbs up, you totally Rocked Norm. That was some lead shamisen if I ever heard it. 👍👍
This was one of the first of your vids that I saw.
Glad to be back and rewatching it. Back then it was just a random thing fed by by an impersonal algorithm. Now, it’s part of learning more about Norm and his journeys.
My first time ever hearing the Shamisen played and I really enjoyed it.
凄い！that was amazing! I honestly believe you'll make that champions list next year for sure! Also.. Those night shots of rain and sakura were perfect... Could totally use that B roll to make yourself a shamisen music video!
Haha yea it really was beautiful
Even more so in person
Wet
But beautiful
Coming later this year...Norm's new and exciting album: Appetite For Shamisen
I can't wait for you to bring out a KISS cover album. #TokyoRockCity
Always emotional to hear the shamisen. I have no clue why. Great video.
I feel you on that one~
I started watching your vlog because I am interested in Japanese culture and you have a very likable personality, but I've really been getting into Shamisen recently and enjoy it more than the other cultural aspects of your vlog. I love your performance outside and think its way better than the one you did for the judges. You were good for them but you were amazing in the relaxed setting. Your flow was completely different and I was tapping along with your playing. When you played for the judges it didn't move me the same way. I have no doubt that you have the talent to become a Shamisen master and look forward to hearing you play more.
Wow...totally blown away by that performance. You have mad skills, thank you for sharing.
I would say “our” performance was better but that may be because the sound quality was different , the stage performance didn’t sound as clear (for obvious reasons)
Besides that though it was really awesome to get to see you play a full song , thanks Norm ! Keep up the practice and good luck on next year’s competition !
Thanks!
Thank you Norm! You reignited my love of the sound of shamisen!
Norm thanks for sharing this! Loved it!
Thank you, Stacey
I promise to watch all your videos between now an next year if you promise to takes along next year! That was pretty awesome
I got to say love both of your performance and I'm no expert but if I may. The tournament version intro the plucks were harder than the one for the fans also the fans version sounded more relaxed and smooth.
That was (still) so awesome! I was digging it hard, it is like Samurai rock and roll for me. I want more shamisen on this channel, I just love the sound and feel to it.
I noticed your tongue was not "rocking" as much on stage as it was for our "private" show, maybe that is your magic mojo eyh :)
I mean, when ever you see some of the guitar legends go ham on their guitars, the tongue can not seem to stay put :D
I was thinking of a shoot "move" you can try, see if its any good (don't remember if you used it), I call it "The Curious Walk". You basically start with a shot of your feet walking and then you do one of your fast pans and do it upward. Now the camera is looking around in the area, like a curious person, then do a fast pan down to the walking feet again. During the fast pans you can change the area shots. So it feels like every time we look up from the walking feet there is a new place to look at.
Just a thought, could be cool or could be cheesy, like bad smelling cheese that is :D
I loved the way it sound both times you played it. That's my first time hearing that instrument. Pretty awesome!
I was happy that you added your performance too! Both versions sounds great! 😊
Thanks so much~
How you played the shamisen is nice and your passion playing it shows.
Powerful performance! I appreciate artists like you and your commitment to the process.
Excellent!
When I was (a lot) younger I used to play a musical instrument and I totally agree that playing on stage in front of people is very, very, different than just playing more "casually" no matter how nervous or confident you are feeling.
Btw love the shot late in the video (before your competition performance) with the rain coming off the roof at night.
You. Are. Amazing!!! I always love hearing new instruments & seeing people who have a passion for it, play. Thank you for the awesome performance! I'm so glad i discovered this channel. All love!💛
So I am a VERY Happily engaged woman, but I am at least a LITTLE bit in love with Norm...
Your enthusiasm and love for your instrument is glorious. Seems every video for yours I have watched makes me more and more a fan. Thank you for what you do, sir.
Here that sound? It's the sound of a room full of applause & standing ovations! :) Great job friend!
Congrats!!! Sounded great with a little finesse you got it in the bag!!! I loved hearing you play. Please post more!!! Thanks
Great Video as always my favourite japanese Instruments are the Koto and the Biwa but the Shamisen keeps getting closer thanks to amazing People like you.
Your playing was amazing! It was super lovely to hear you play the shamisen
I had never heard of Shamisen until I started watching your videos and I've really come to like the sound of it. I'm also so impressed by all the work and practise that goes into playing the instrument. I'm definitely not one to judge your playing, but I think your style of playing gives a feeling of love and admiration for the music (if that makes sense). And finally, another beautifully shot and edited video!!
Man, this was super cool seeing you perform. It's super interesting how hard you can go at the strings compared to something like guitar. Always wanted to learn shamisen but being overseas and it's already quite expensive to get a decent shamisen experience it seems like
We actually just prepped affordable Shamisen for the students over on Learn Shamisen if you’re interested~
What an amazing performance! It's a great instrument. You did so well. The three years shows.
Awesome playing! Glad we finally got to hear and see you play!
It's kind of interesting to me that you don't know what you are being judged on. I feel like it adds an element of surprise and excitement. I know in the U.S. if I were to say, grade a student on something without telling them how they would be assessed, I'd get an earfull lol.
Amazing performance! I have no words, which can describe how awesome that was! 😲
I see where you were docked marks during the competition. When you performed in a relaxed setting you played much better and really well because you were relaxed and your fingers did not stick to the strings (they flowed more like water). For your next competition picture youself playing for a good friend. That might help you relax or if your good friend is there have them sit infront of you where you can see them and focus on them. Make the stage and bright lights disapear. Smile and have fun. :)
Amazing work! I love see the mottos "practice, practice, practice" and "try, try again". That stage does have those feelings of "This is what you've worked for" and pure excitement. I've played in a bunch of different musical settings, and I think Jazz band was the best experience. Having a small collection of equally great player on a stage, but can rock the house. You can also stand out just one is out of sync... plus improv solos. I look forward to hearing how you do next year. You may not win them all, but if you enjoy the ride... We are all proud. Keep it up!
I remember hearing that track you played in my first Yoshida Bros. CD.
Epic!