Isshi Yamada - Koto: Music of the One-String Ichigenkin (1967)

The ichigenkin is a Japanese single-stringed zither that uses an ivory slide to change the pitch, much like a lap slide guitar. It was quite popular in Japan during the 17th and 18th centuries, but now it is virtually unknown. This album from 1967 presents five pieces for this simple yet elegant instrument accompanied by voice and the shakuhachi flute. Liner notes include information on the ichigenkin and the musicians and tracks featured in this album, along with translations of the lyrics.

Tracks:

01. Suga no Kyoku (Music of Suga) (6:04)
02. Isaribi (Fishing Fire) (7:56)
03. Oshi (Mandarin Ducks) (4:59)
04. Botan (Peony) (5:44)
05. Haru no Shirabe (Spring Song) (8:43)

Personnel:

Isshi Yamada - vocals, ichigenkin
Fuzan Sato - shakuhachi