I can’t believe this day has finally arrived!!! Eight years it has taken! I have finally finally finally acquired the only remaining Alshire release by the 101 Strings Orchestra that I needed to complete Phase 1 of my collection! Eight years it has taken for me to say those words. Countless bins of records I’ve dug through. Many dollars have I spent (though it’s been far less expensive than most other hobbies, if you think about it!)
This is the last one I needed, and I’m listening to it on the turntables now:
Japanese Folk Songs Featuring The Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute) with soloist Katsuya Yokoyama (Alshire S-5319)
My first thought is that while it has that familiar and distinctive 101 Strings sound, it is also quite funky! And the Bamboo Flute sounds beautiful! Track 3 – Kokiriko – is particularly good musically. I don’t think these tracks appear on any other release. This is a good one, a new favorite!
It took a long time just to find it for sale online, no one had it, and when one popped up I quickly bought it. I’m not the only one interested in this record though. I learned they do come up once in awhile but are swiftly bought, so I had to begin checking daily for a new one to come up for sale.
I’ll have to come back and add more to this post later, I’m a bit excited right now. And then begin discussing phase two of collecting every single vinyl record release by the 101 Strings.
Phase 1: Somerset and Alshire
Phase 2: International and other labels
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. That is wonderful you completed phase 1 of your 101 Strings collection. How is phase 2 going?