Celebrating Itsuro Shimoda: A Timeless Innovator in Music
Why spotlight Itsuro Shimoda on CoolMediallc.com? Innovation, of course. At Cool Media, we promise to deliver on all things innovative, and Shimoda’s music embodies this spirit. This retro gem came our way via the serendipitous pathways of YouTube algorithms, and from the first notes, we were sonically smitten. The track “Everybody, Anyone,” translated by a kind YouTube commentator, captivated us so thoroughly that it played on repeat while we arranged the images and layout for this very article. Shimoda’s music is postmodern, opium-infused, meditative, sad, poignant, and undeniably beautiful.
One insightful YouTube comment compared Itsuro Shimoda to the legendary Tim Buckley, stating, “A chance encounter with this stunning album. Thank you for posting – seems this is not available anywhere else! Great songs with exquisite vocal arrangements. To my ears, it occupies a similar place to Tim Buckley’s ‘Happy Sad,’ Van Morrison circa ‘Veedon Fleece,’ and Bonnie Prince Billy’s ‘The Letting Go’ – timeless.”** Malcolm Duncan’s words capture the essence of what makes Shimoda’s music so captivating and enduring.
Early Life and Career
Born on May 12, 1948, in Miyazaki, Japan, Itsuro Shimoda began his journey as a singer-songwriter and composer, quickly gaining recognition for his musical prowess. His early career was marked by his involvement with the Tokyo Kid Brothers, a renowned avant-garde theatre troupe known for its experimental performances and groundbreaking artistic vision. As the musical director and composer for the troupe, Shimoda’s compositions significantly shaped their productions, enhancing the atmosphere and depth of storytelling.
Musical Style and Contributions
Itsuro Shimoda’s music is an eclectic blend that defies simple categorization. His compositions weave together elements of rock, folk, jazz, and traditional Japanese music, creating a rich, textured soundscape that mirrors his diverse influences. Shimoda’s lyrics, often exploring themes of love, longing, alienation, and the human experience, resonate with poignancy and authenticity that strike a chord with listeners.
Albums and Achievements
Throughout his career, Shimoda released several albums that showcased his versatility and innovative spirit, including Nakukamoshirenai, Sarigenai Yoru, Hitohira, and MORE. Each album highlights his unique ability to fuse various musical styles and themes, offering listeners a journey through his artistic vision. His exceptional contributions to the music industry did not go unnoticed; Shimoda received accolades such as the Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Composer, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in the world of music.
Legacy and Influence
Itsuro Shimoda’s impact on Japanese music and theatre continues to resonate. His innovative approach to composition and willingness to push artistic boundaries have inspired countless musicians, artists, and performers. Shimoda’s work has left a lasting legacy, not only influencing the evolution of Japanese popular culture but also enriching the global artistic landscape.
Shimoda’s role as a composer and musical director for the Tokyo Kid Brothers established him as a significant figure in Japanese music history. His pioneering spirit and creative vision continue to inspire new generations, ensuring that his contributions to music and culture will endure for years to come. In celebrating Itsuro Shimoda, we recognize a true innovator whose work transcends time, captivating the hearts and minds of those who encounter it.
- Early Life and Career: Itsuro Shimoda was born on May 12, 1948, in Miyazaki, Japan. He began his career as a Japanese singer-songwriter and composer, gaining recognition for his musical talents and innovative contributions to the Japanese music scene.
- Tokyo Kid Brothers Theatre Troupe: Itsuro Shimoda served as the musical director and composer for the Tokyo Kid Brothers theatre troupe during their early years. The Tokyo Kid Brothers was a renowned avant-garde theater group known for their experimental performances and boundary-pushing artistic vision. Shimoda’s musical compositions played a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere and storytelling of the troupe’s productions, contributing to their unique and dynamic theatrical style.
- Musical Style and Contributions: Itsuro Shimoda’s musical style is characterized by its eclectic blend of genres, innovative arrangements, and emotive lyricism. His compositions often incorporate elements of rock, folk, jazz, and traditional Japanese music, creating a rich and textured sonic landscape that reflects the diversity of his influences and experiences. Shimoda’s songs explore themes of love, longing, alienation, and the human condition, resonating with audiences for their depth and authenticity.
- Albums and Achievements: Itsuro Shimoda released several albums throughout his career, including “Nakukamoshirenai,” “Sarigenai Yoru,” “Hitohira,” and “MORE.” His albums showcase his versatility as a composer and songwriter, featuring a diverse range of musical styles and lyrical themes. Shimoda’s contributions to the music industry earned him acclaim and accolades, including the Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Composer.
- Legacy and Influence: Itsuro Shimoda’s impact on Japanese music and theater continues to be felt today, inspiring generations of musicians, artists, and performers. His innovative approach to composition and his willingness to push artistic boundaries have left a lasting legacy, shaping the evolution of Japanese popular culture and contributing to the vibrancy of the country’s artistic landscape.
Overall, Itsuro Shimoda’s contributions as a composer and musical director for the Tokyo Kid Brothers theatre troupe have earned him a place of distinction in the annals of Japanese music history. His pioneering spirit, creative vision, and musical talent have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Japan and beyond.
Itsuroh Shimoda – Everybody Anyone (1974)
Feat. Vicki Sue Robinson on backing vocals
ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE LYRICS
Itsuro Shimoda & Haruko Kuwana – ふたつの舟 (1990)
Released in 1990 as a CD under “Tea Time Music Publishing”, the catalog number is “IS-001”.
1. タバコ 0:00
2. イビスは南へ (I GOT SUNRISE) 4:24
3. モンスターの気配 7:27
4. 舟沈んじゃった 11:39
5. サンデーモーニングブルース 14:59
6. チンチロリン 19:55
7. 不思議なドンキホーテ 23:47
8. ふたつの舟 (LIKE A CHILD) 28:19
9. 早く抱いて 33:28
10. 水の流れ 38:38
Itsuro Shimoda – Go Home
from the 1973 album “Love Songs And Lamentations”
[1973] Itsuroh Shimoda – Love Songs And Lamentations [Full Album]
00:00 01 – 飛べない鳥と飛ばない鳥 06:06 02 – あなたには 09:46 03 – みんな誰でも 13:35 04 – ふたつの舟 18:06 05 – 帰ろう 24:14 06 – All This Time 28:09 07 – I Cried 32:00 08 – Two Voices 36:08 09 – Like a Child 39:24 10 –
Moving On ////////////////////////////////////////Credits///////////////////////////////////////////// Arranged By [編曲] – Itsuroh Shimoda, Marci Sutin Bass – Masaoki Terakawa Congas, Bongos – Nobu Saito Drums – Takeshi Inomata Guitar – Itsuroh Shimoda Lead Guitar – Hiromi Yasuda Lyrics By – Itsuroh Shimoda (tracks: 1 to 5), Marci Sutin (tracks: 6 to 10) Music By [曲] – Itsuroh Shimoda Vocals – Alexander Easley, Itsuroh Shimoda, Vicki Sue Robinson
Silver Fish
Itsuro Shimoda – Topic
FIRST TIME HEARING Itsuroh Shimoda – Everybody Anyone (1974) | Reaction
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