David Ralston and singer Merry present mix of Okinawa folk songs and American blues

Blues musician David Ralston and Merry, an Okinawan singer from Itoman are bringing something new and different to local music scene. In their new album “Okinawa Americana” from Mad Music International, the two musicians continue their cooperation presenting 10 songs that mix traditional Okinawan folk tunes and instruments with American blues sung by Ralston accompanied by his guitar.

The album will go on sale Wednesday with the price tag of ¥2,000 (excluding tax).

In songs such as “Ahabushi,” a classic Ryukyu song, “Wide Bushi,” a song of bull-fighting on Tokunoshima, and “Hiyamikachi” that is a traditional Okinawan folk song, Merry plays sanshin with Ralston’s bluesy voice and guitar overlapping the tunes. Merry says, “We just overlapped traditional folk songs of Okinawa and Amami, with American old blues, and I think they are in good harmony. We hope as many people as possible would listen to our music.”

This Saturday, Sep. 16th, the pair has a live performance at Rycom Anthropology on the 3rd floor of Plaza House in Okinawa City, start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the concert are ¥2,000 in advance and ¥2,500 at door.

For more details, call Rycom Anthropology at 098-933-1142.

GoldDisc

23:19 29 Mar , 2024