You have the best reaction to this performance by far. The enjoyment you show and your analysis are amazing to watch and listen, props to you! I discovered this band a week ago and man they just went top of my list in an instant. I really hope you react to more live performances of them because they have a ton of crazy good songs, and you are a crazy good reactor. Cheers!
I remember one more thing. About Machiya's guitar. He has many guitars, all Sagos. Seven strings with two frets or five frets extra to meet Japanese scale.
I enjoyed your rich expression on many aspects of Wagakki band! 1) The guitarist Machiya was playing extended 29 fret one. He mentioned it is not good for audiences and other musicians to waste the moments to change guitar for the different key songs. So he change capo position on the same guitar. 2) The mask he was wearing is not for Kabuki. That is for the different theatrical play Noh. Kabuki is like spectacular opera, while Noh is rather an abstract and slow moving one based on classic stories for 500 years ago people. Through mask, the actor expresses internal emotions; sorrow, anxiety, joy, etc. 3) The rumor says Wagakki band was supposed to support Tokyo Olympic in 2020, if we did not have this current pandemic situation. So sad…Hope you continue further on Wagakki, such like Senbonzakura, Chieno Kajitsu + Somosan Seppa, Hakushu Kasai, etc. Please chose the live version.
Thank you so much for the comment and info! I do plan on doing another Wagakki Band reaction, but I'm trying to keep things fresh by spreading it out among other genres. Thanks again for taking the time to contribute! Cheers! Eric
As a person who has live the entire rock era, I have fallen in love with Wagakki Band. I've listened to days worth of their stuff. Their live performances are actually better than their studio recorded vids. They are well funded, heavily produced to make great shows, perfectly recorded and mixed and they love doing music (there are tons of videos of them interacting off stage).
Asa of Wagakki band plays 5 string bass and Machya plays 7 string 32 fret guitar. Ikusa(War), Synchronicity(Jazz), Ignite(rap wagakki type song, Queen of the Night(balled), Sakura Rising w Amy Lee(wagakki song), Singin for (anthem type), Aria of Life (Theme for Mars Red), Roki(crazy song)Senbonzakura( anti-war song first hit Vocaloid), Sasamayki, Kyougasuigestu(Yuko acapela and differnet band combos) . All songs are great. Videos are great and very artistic but live is best.
Machiya (Oumura Shin) plays Sago guitars. Video with presentation of the prototype series Seed Kotetsu ... ruclips.net/video/_wzaTMbtAtw/видео.html and Shigure 7 ruclips.net/video/ZJueqs5HEmw/видео.html
ASA plays bass guitar Mayones Comodous 5. The Mayones family business was established in 1982 in Gdańsk (Poland). It was founded by Zenon and Halina Dziewulski (after Zenon Dziewulski's death, the company is run by his wife Halina and sons Dawid and Tomasz)
About Machiya's mask. Others have already pointed out. This is not "Kabuki mask" but "Noh mask". In Kabuki, the facial expression of the actor is an important factor. Therefore, Kabuki generally does not use masks. On the other hand, Noh is characterized by using a mask designed to be expressionless. It is said that emotions are expressed by the shadow created by the light that hits the Noh mask. About Daisuke's shakuhachi. The shakuhachi is made from bamboo grown in nature. In other words, it is not an instrument created by humans. It is a tool that allows humans to use the shapes created by nature as musical instruments. Therefore, the shakuhachi is a different musical instrument one by one, and it is a simple musical instrument with a hole in the bamboo. It is said that it is a very difficult instrument to use because it is simple. (Beginners struggle for a long time just to make a simple sound) For that reason, I feel that the skill that Daisuke controls the shakuhachi without feeling any stress is amazing. About Kurona's Japanese drums. He started training Japanese drums in Tokyo when he was nine years old. Wadaiko is used all over Japan. There are many types of taiko drums, from small ones that can be held with one hand to large ones that are as tall as an adult. There is a group called "Kodo" that specializes in playing Japanese drums. Kodou is touring all over the world and playing Japanese drums. Those who are interested in Japanese drums are encouraged to listen to the powerful performance of the heartbeat once. from Japan (This is a sentence using a translation app. I hope the intention is conveyed correctly.)
Thank you so very much for additional information. I appreciate the work you put into this reply and respect your helping me understand better. I look forward to diving deeper into their catalogs, both as a band and as individuals. Thank you again, and take care! Cheers!
Wagakki Band are phenomenal. The amount of rock and metal talent (especially female) coming out of Japan is mind boggling. I'm sure other people have asked you to react to the Japanese all female metal band Lovebites by now but allow me to add my vote to the list as well.
Wagakki Band is one of the most unique and talented music groups on the planet. You are by no means alone in thinking Asa was a woman at some time. He is gorgeous. Also, good on you for simping over Beni. Many first-time viewers are so mesmerized by the very elegant Yuko that the lovely Beni sometimes gets overlooked.
They're all beautiful people and wonderfully talented. And I'm shocked, SHOCKED I tell you, that Beni would in any way shape or form be overlooked. Cheers!
The cameraman wasn't mistaken, there is a call and response between the guitar and bass, I think it's to divert attention so that Beni's entrance is more unexpected.
From France: Some info about Wagakki Band ... Wagakki means "traditional instruments" and Benigawa plays Tsugaru Shamisen (shamisen means "Three strings"). She uses a traditional plectrum called "Bashi". It is made of two parts, the handle is in ivory origine and the pick is in tortoiseshell and in the shape of a ginko leaf. Sakahuachi is a traditional bamboo flute ... Yuko practices shigin (pronounced sheegin) singing and is an expert in Japanese sword dancing and also in handling the fan ... Kurona plays a traditional percussion ensemble called "wadaiko" ... Machiya designs his guitars himself. They generally have 27 to 30 frets, hence the use of capos. Asa, the bassist also has a solo career alongside the Wagakki Band. In addition, during concerts, the musicians impressively occupy the whole stage. A real visual spectacle. [Quelques infos au sujet de Wagakki Band... Wagakki signifie "intruments traditionnels" et Benigawa joue du Tsugaru Shamisen (shamisen signifie "Trois cordes"). Elle utilise un plectre traditionnel appelé "Bashi". Il est fait de deux parties, la poignée est à l'origine en ivoire et le pic est en écaille de tortue et à la forme d'une feuille de ginko. Sakahuachi est une flûte traditionnelle en bambou... Yuko pratique le chant shigin et est experte en danse du sabre japonais et aussi en maniement de l'éventail... Kurona joue d'un ensemble de percussions traditionnelles appelé "wadaiko"... Machiya dessine lui-même ses guitares. Elles ont en général 27 à 30 frettes, d'où l'utilisation de capodastres. Asa, le bassiste a aussi une carrière solo à côté du Wagakki Band. Par ailleurs, lors des concerts, les musiciens occupent de façon impressionnante toute la scène. Un véritable spectacle visuel.]
Eric, I keep posting a little diatribe about Band-Maid but the comments disappear. Band-Maid is a must see. I'll give you two Lives you can find on their YT channel: DOMINATION-LIVE for the quintessential Band-Maid showing their engaging stage presence and unique songwriting ability. ONSET-LIVE is an instrumental that other bands can only dream of writing and playing. BAND-MAID is Awesome!
Beni and Yuko have their own YT channels...and the whole band has put out several fun videos, like Beni bungee jumping and them riding roller coasters. Yuko is also a classically trained pianist and does instructional videos on RUclips. Yuko is singing in the Shigin style, tone poems set to music. She is the finest Shigin singer in Japan.
Really good and in depth reaction. For a more good view of what is the traditionalshigin style is (prononciation she-gin with a hard g) a far more recent version of Akatsuki no ito has been posted recently where Yuuko san recites the whole poem. ruclips.net/video/wf1SVZOpW_c/видео.html Akatsuki no ito is a very positive song, full of hopes and has become, rightly, their anthem that they are playing during the "encore" part of their gigs. One thing I also noticed on Yuuko(s clothes. Most people will say that they are very traditionnal looking. That's not entirely true. You will also find that mix of traditional/european style that is the trademark of WB. Above the waist her clothes looks very much like a standard ceremonial kimono, but below the belt it's looks more like a normal european long dress, showing (beautiful) legs when she's moving.
Interesting review, it's rare nowadays on youtube. Thank you for spending so much of your time for it. Yeah, we've seen them in lots ocassions where they play like friends, who like music. They actually camp together. At least in the beginning, because this way they could work easier and also get to know each other better. Yuko majored piano in University, you can see her play at the same concert with Amy Lee. You must know then, about Hanafugetsu (Yuko, Dai, Kiyoshi) where she plays piano. Asa (Ah-sa), is also coming from a visual kei band. Visual kei is a specific genre in Japan, related to the visual presentation of the artist, like cross-dressing, heavy make-up ect. Carreful, you may soon be suggested some band names from this genre. 7 out of 8 members have composed for the band. Asa being the 3rd after Machi and Yuko. I think Kurona was just matching the bass drums of Wasabi here. You can see his work better in other videos, i guess. btw they do a drum battle each live show. In the end of the tour, the one with more loses has to take a punishment, like bunji jumping or something. Daisuke Kaminaga always stands out to the foreign fans, and no wonder. He is the one said to have a school, but apart from seeing him with kids and shakuhachi, idk much about it. Can you imagine he started playing at 18? Beni got me with her playing exactly here on "Homura". I don't think the shamisen is meant to be used in such fast music, but there she is. Other than the fact that she is beautiful, i also enjoy when she plays. Somehow, when i see other shamsien players, they don't give me the same vibe, she is more elegant. If you follow Beni on youtube, you'd see their chemistry with Wasabi, he is often her guest. Kiyoshi - another fine piece of the wagakki puzzle. The sound of the koto is wonderful. I knew all of those instruments (except for the shakuhachi maybe), but got to explore more, only when i found Wagakki band. Here is the time to mention all of them have a solo work of some sort. Now, Machiya (mah-chee-ya) is.. if Yuko is the band's face, heart and souls, he is the brain probably. I don't think they pointed out an official leader. Yuko is more fans-oriented and representing the band, after all, it's her idea and she was the one getting the members together. But in studio, i think Machi rules: main composer, now chief arranger. He is self produced solo artist, has an indie band, tones of other session work and bands with him, therefore more experienced. In the beginning, Wagakki used help from foreign producers and arrangers, but eventually their managment was convinved to put more responsibility on Machi. When Wagakki band debuted, he started to produce those longer neck guitars with Sago company. His latest model is a 7-string guitar for a first time. And yeah, since he is a vocalist of his indie band, he is allowed to sing here too, backing Yuko or solo from time to time. Like another comment pointed out, he is also knows as Shin Oumura. btw, "Homura" is from his solo work before Wagakki, so originally no bass and shamisen solos. They play both versions though. "Akatsuki no ito" is also guitarist's song, from their first album with original music. Now a theme song of the band. In the video, there's a dragon. You can imagine their first music videos were heavily oriented in themes like that - anime like, samurai battles, fairy tales...nowadays they toned this down. Got more matured or it's the change of the label, who knows? It will be too much (as if it's not aleady) if i continue typing. If you'd like to see more of Machiya's singing, do it here: ~Tsuioku (acoustic ver.) Yuko sing in the original, but youtube don't allow few of their concerts uploaded, you can find ver. with her elsewhere. ruclips.net/video/416Krbnbur8/видео.html ~Episode.0 ruclips.net/video/xET6Ahuy-KI/видео.html ~Kyoushu no sora ruclips.net/video/QEzyZwWCkos/видео.html I'd like you to see this too: ~Hotarubi ( i mean this exact live, for a better experience of the song) ruclips.net/video/rbrRbpE4sV0/видео.html the channel provides lyrics. As you may guess, anything you grab from this band will be amazing. Don't forget you may stumble upon some instrumentals. They make those exclusively for live shows.
Thank you so much for the information and the effort you put into this reply! I admittedly being deluged with suggestions to review and I am trying my best to keep up with them by writing them down. I try not to watch or hear any of the suggestions so I can go into them as cold as possible. I have started to dig deeper into the band and while amazed at their work, not really amazed, if that makes sense. I've enjoyed all the input their fanbase has put into my review and am thankful for the help with understanding something new to me. I've been working as a program director and music director for Rock music radio stations for almost 30 years, but even us old dogs enjoy learning new tricks! Again, thank you so much for the direction and information and hopefully I can get through all the requests! Between WB and the other bands suggested, I feel I'll be busy for a bit! Cheers, Eric
@@TheWyldesidewithEricClark My pleasure. No need to pressure yourself with the suggestions. It's our duty as fans to give you the hints. It's your decision when to give the band time again. I am passionate music listener, but i don't have any professional knowledge. Believe it or not, i didn't got into Wagakki band immediately, even though i already liked Jap. rock and traditional Japanese instruments separately. Why i thought a combination wouldn't be my taste? But the more i listened, the more i was amazed. Everything has its right time to come. I needed them exactly then and there, not sooner nor later. Yes, the Japanese music scene is deep. I have a few interesting names for you, but i'll give you time to catch up if you want.
Great review. Your pronunciation is basically alright with some corrections. Shi-gin should be shi(like she) and gi of gin should be like gui of guitar. Pronunce it as She-guin totally. Machiya and Asa should be proununce like Spanish. Yuko is not a sword master but a Traditional "sword dance" master. Yes she uses her fan as they do in traditional Japanese dance. Shi-gin is not operatic, it's traditional poem recital. I recommend you to try their another aspects. Very Japanese side based on an old Japanese folk tale "Toono monogatari kyuu-yon". ruclips.net/video/hLYPvErslH8/видео.html An up beat folk rock, "Senbonzakura". ruclips.net/video/Xjwe9WyO8Qs/видео.html A beatiful piece of art, "Kyoshu no sora". ruclips.net/video/V2jeCJ-uzUc/видео.html You sound like you love metal in 80s. If so, try a Japanese outstanding metal band "Lovebites". They've got DNA from all the great band of the golden ages 80s, such as Maiden, Priest, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath and other good ones, and with their own unique style. They are carrying on the authentic metal in 21st century style. I won't tell you more for your surprise. I tell you one thing though, hold your jaw tight and enjoy. My suggestions. "Chopin Revolutionary Etude + Swan Song" ruclips.net/video/WBhtqgiXEA4/видео.html Begins with ballad, ends with power metal. "Edge of the World" ruclips.net/video/UZjxMjBop7w/видео.html Typical power metal. "Holy War" ruclips.net/video/bgAxpEpEcno/видео.html
Thank you for all the help and suggestions! I'll try to get to all of that at some point. I'm coming to realize their fan base is very passionate and have flooded me with suggestions and requests. And I appreciate the help with the phonics!! Cheers, Eric
I know it's been over a week since this video was published, but I'm going to respond to some of your comments and questions. The mask is inspired by Noh theater. Kabuki doesn't use masks; it uses face paint. As for Machiya's guitar, that's a Sago Kotetsu baritone guitar. It has 29 frets for a 33" scale, and he obviously uses a capo on it to change the tuning. There are three styles of shamisen in Japan, and the tsugaru-shamisen like Beni's is the largest of the three but has the smallest bachi (the paint scraper). I've heard Machiya compared to Steve Vai more often than any other guitarist. Machiya usually does their arrangements. Yuko, Daisuke, and Kiyoshi first formed a group called Hanafugetsu with Yuko singing and usually playing piano along with the guys playing shakuhachi and koto. Hanafugetsu still performs together on occasion. Beni was the last member to join Wagakki Band, at least until I learn how to play a biwa, join the band, and marry her. Wasabi, Yuko, Beni, and Asa have RUclips channels that are updated fairly regularly. Yuko often has English subtitles, Wasabi never has them, Beni's videos eventually get English subtitles, and I forget if Asa's channel has them. The others have channels, but they're all but dead channels with maybe three or four videos. They used to have an online fan club with their old record label, Avex, where they had a bunch of behind the scenes videos and more fun videos like the band going to amusement parks. There's one where Wasabi goes skydiving, and another where Beni, Wasabi, and Kurona go bungee jumping. Those videos are on RUclips, but they don't pop up all that often for me anymore. While I know they'd never film and publish their fights or disagreements if they have them, the videos I've seen of them when they're offstage shows them enjoying each other's company, laughing with each other, always having a good time together. Like you said, their chemistry is off the charts. They remind me of BAND-MAID in that regard where I wish I could have found a shred of that chemistry, that camaraderie, during the days when I was in bands. That's the main thing that makes both bands so special to me, even more so than their incredible skill.
Very good reaction and I really appreciate your effort by looking at the band's and each of their members profile. By the way, this video has 2 songs. The first was Homura and the second was Akatsuki no Ito. I can understand the difficulties of pronouncing the names because of the differences in language. I hope you will react to more of their songs because most of their songs are awesome. I have one recommendation for your reaction. The song title is Hakushu Kassai ruclips.net/video/mcrrMBN73zY/видео.html
Hey.....you need too check out these bands as well, Band Maid, Domination, live. Lovebites, Set the World on Fire, live & Nemophila, Dissension, MV. ❤🎙🎸🥁😎👌 Thats just the tip of a hugh iceberg, the Japanese Rock & Metal scene is ridiculous as in ridiculously good !!!🤘
I think Japan has a lot top quality musicians. Wagakki is amazing but also check out Band-Maid next. All female hard rock band. Top drummer, bassist, guitarist in rock right now. Them and Wagakki are like once in a lifetime quality.
BTW Eric - for Japanese word pronunciation, try to remember their language works on consonant/vowel pair letters, solo vowel letters and a few exception letters. For example, "ka" "ke" "ki" "ko" "ku" which are pronounced with a short vowel no matter what. To get the long vowel sound, a loose vowel then doubles up afterwards, so you have "do" short (as in do-ctor) or "doo" long sound (as in Homer Simpson's "Doh!"). Coincidentally, the English word "do" would be how you pronounce a Japanese "du". You will find you'll need to unlearn your English vowel modification rules when speaking Japanese. Also, some of your American vowel pronunciation will need to change to a more traditional English pronunciation to be absolutely correct. For example the "ki" on the end of the band's name shouldn't sound like "key" when you speak it, rather it should be a short sharp sound like the "ki-" portion of "kip" (Same as "chi" is the lead portion of "chip") There are then there's compounded letters (called Yōon) which are a combination of any "i" tailed letters with the "i" changed to "ya" (e.g. ki +ya = kya........pronounced with the lead consonant and the trailing "ya" but as a continuous unbroken sound). And then there is the "Sokuon" which is used in the band's name "Wagakki" to get the double "k". It's basically a short pause on the following consonant of a pair when written in HIragana - it appears as the doubled consonant when written in Romaji (writing Japanese using in english characters). You can get a cheat sheet here - japanese-lesson.com/resources/pdf/characters/hiragana_chart.pdf
Cool video and nice reaction Yes, The guitar is way longer than a normal guitar (has a lot more frets), which is why he has a capo on I guess, the name of the guitar is "Sago Kotetsu", it seems to be his signature guitar since he shows up on the guitar website Hope you do more of these videos, Japan has a lot of amazing rock and metal bands
Very insightful analysis, by far the best I’ve heard on Wagakki Band so far. Btw, I consider myself an atheist and don’t believe in God, but when Beni enters the stage I have to admit, there are probably goddesses.
Thank you for an actual analysis... I love WGB and enjoy watching reaction videos of them. Little much at the start, but redeemed ...Really enjoyed the detailed breakdown ... one of the things I've started doing is looking up lyric translations to get the gist of the meaning. You have to look up more than one as the translations differ slightly. Unfortunately, CD's are just about impossible to find. (Yes, I'm old.] Anyway, liked and subscribed...
What I need in my life: A metal band using Taiko and Tabla drums (as well as other traditional drums), a didgeridoo and a sitar player, a chorus of Mongolian throat singers and a singer like Yuko who can sing in traditional Shigin style. Then add some string instruments like a cello and contrabass and maybe even an church organ.
One thing I've noticed mostly listening through headphones is that they actually use the left and right channels. Most modern bands I can get away with just one side, but not with Wagakki Band. Not exactly a knock against anyone, but just something I love that can add more feeling to a song. I would say Comfortably Numb would be a good classic rock example with the guitar in the intro.
Oh.....and Asa....(pronounce "A" "sa" with short vowels)........yeah, most western guys crush on him when they first see him.....me included when I saw him in Senbozakura. And yes....Beni is HOT!!!!!❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
wonder if you ever watched any of the Kami Band when there second guitarist was still alive. They used to be baby-metals original band. Baby Metal Rondo of Nightmare. Live at Budokan Black Night.
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments... Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals Machiya - Guitar Asa - Bass Wasabi - Drums with double base pedal Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen (traditional 3 string guitar) Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums) Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp) Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute) ... i recommend to please do comment to their other songs.. - Bring me to life with Amy Lee of Evanesence -Ignite -Sunwheel -Valkyrie -Okinotayuu -Zenbonsakura -Perfect Blue ( live ) -Subaku no Komoruita -Tengaku - Seimei no Aria - Synchrocity - Ikusa - Homura + Akatsuki no Ito live and still more.. I be following your reactions... im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino... Thank You
You made the right choice. The Amy Lee collab with Wagakki band is often suggested, but in my opinion it is not a good look for either Amy or for WB. She is past her peak and was never at the level of Suzuhana-sama. WB had to dial it back to avoid blowing her off the stage. Anyway, congratulations on the deep dive and learning so much through your own research. I won't post my usual intro since it would just repeat what you found. Just a quick glossary for your viewers: The “lute” thing is a Shamisen. The “harp” thing is a Koto. The “flute thing” is a shakuhachi. The band was founded by the singer, SUZUHANA Yuko. Beni is my jam too! She is just bewitching.
Not a single note out of place. If you want to emphasize your point I suggest a double reaction. First react to "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence, then "Bring Me To Life" with the same singer (Amy Lee) but with The Wagakki band. You should also check out The Hu band doing a cover of the Metallica song "Sad But True", no Taiko drums, but other traditional instruments. And finally check out Alip Ba Ta "Bohemian Rhapsody" cover on an acoustic guitar for a mind blowing performance. Enjoy.
FYI, when pronouncing japanese names, all vowels are short sound except O. O is pronounced long O. Also, the G in Shigen is like "gate" rather than like "general".
You called it on EJ and Cliffs of Dover, I thought that immediately the first time I heard this song! lol Enjoyed your reaction as usual, EC. As to a musician level match, I suggest you check out the Swedish jazz-pop trio (keys/vocals, bass and drums) Dirty Loops. They are actually managed by Quincy Jones and are at the highest level...period. They started doing covers but they have amazing original recent material as well. Cheers!
I had a crush on Beni [like everybody else] but Yuko has now taken over :) If you want to see Asa in hyperdrive: ruclips.net/video/QnKTwuwe6E8/видео.html If you want drums and something completely different try this: ruclips.net/video/kmWTZ3KfnXE/видео.html [scandinoir not japanese]
I know you are a professional Radio DJ and you have a nice voice :) Daisuke is pronounced Dice K. Machiya is like Matchy Ya. I don't know what Machiya's guitar is using but the female band BRIDEAR's guitarist uses her fathers handmade :)
If you think only jazz bands can be super tight, it's worth checking out musicians from the West African griot tradition, where families often have centuries with an instrument. For instance: m.ruclips.net/video/TBiJJ-9NYAk/видео.html ^ They were unbelievably tight live at Womadelaide. There are many others with similar skill levels, and ditto in Indian classical music. This is not to take anything away from the Wagakki Band whom I'd dearly love to see live! ;-)
Ha you’re not wrong, Asa (ahh Sah) is hot, but you chose wisely with Beni. Didn’t know about Yuko on swords, cool. That guitar is “normal” six strings, tuning, etc. But the body design is kinda unique (dunno the brand), body cutaway for ease of reaching high notes, makes the neck look longer. Ahhh, and you finally gave props for him playing without looking, easy for parts or short times, but the whole piece?! Japan loves their guitar heroes, know Gary Moore, Yngvie, etc, but prefer Ritchie Blackmore and Paul Gilbert to Jimmy Page and Steve Vai, subtle, but palpable. Good call, Eric Johnson sounding. Satriani? reminds me of another Japanese strength. Not just female talent, but prodigies. Here are two of Japan’s biggest (RUclips) exports, LisaX and Yoyoka, absolutely world class young ladies, already played with the worlds best and festival crowds at such young ages. Yoyoka put out three pop albums with her family as band by the end of elementary school, played with Cyndi Lauper, FallOutBoy, and kiss (missed chance for onstage, broke her hand on the playground?!!!), props from foo fighters, RATM, deep purple, & many more (like joined onstage by jguitarist who used to employ Carmine Appice, who’s also jammed with her at a convention; in North America, Pearl flew her in). LisaX’s first tour had Polyphia open. She was signed to Sony for instrumental prog metal (vai, Satriani, Johnson, Gilbert), at age 11. Jammed w bumblefoot, Mateus ASato, jason Richardson, Polyphia(featured in video), megadeth/Angra guitarist Kiko, Marty Friedman (actual official Japanese cultural ambassador) at age 10&16. At Here they are doing Satch Boogie at twelve and sixteen. They’d previously done a covid/online collab. And both have throwing that hack Billy Sheehan some work (I play bass; still waiting by the phone…) Enough fanboy, a starting point, Satch Boogie ruclips.net/video/1U846U6nDuk/видео.html Ps, BandMaid seems absolutely in your “what happened to good rock” wheelhouse. How about Domination live (2019?) ruclips.net/video/QbyQCJn6rYg/видео.html It’s bout 1/3 English, fun with subtitles if available, will help you hear their accent better in future… btw, they, esp Ah-ka-neigh drummer Akane, got in-person kudos in their early days (2015? they started in 2013, at 19-22yrs old) by none other than Jimmy Page, who’s just seen them live at an awards show…
NO! NO! NO! It's not a Kabuki mask, it's a "Noh" mask that represents the spirit of a woman. There is about 200 years difference between Kabuki and Noh theater. Kabuki theater uses more makeup. Maciya uses it on songs he brought with him from previous solo projects. Homura means flame, and you will find at least 6 different versions of it, with and without Beni and Kurona, different bass solo and intro. Akatsuki no ito means "Thread of down" and is a very special song for WGB. The audience uses it as an Encore chant. The song is written by Machiya who accounts for at least 50% of the songs. He is the one who has the last word and is responsible for the arrangement of the songs. You're absolutely right WGB is a supergroup, and takes you on a journey with their songs Machiya plays a Sago guitar, it's a 33 "scale baritone with 29 frets tuned BEADF # B, if you capo at the 5th fret it becomes a 25.5" scale guitar in standard E tuning. When Machiya in an interview was asked what music he was listening to. He replied Slipknot. Can highly recommend: "Hangeki no yaiba" Daishinnenkai 2018 "Hotarubi" Premium symphonic night Vol.2 "Ignite" Manatsu no Daishinnenkai 2020 "Iroha Utha" Manatsu no Daishinnenkai 2020 Great reaction by the way 👍 And stay away from Beni 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you so much for the additional information, as I am a neophile to this particular genre! I knew the guitar was different, but not being a musician, not sure as to why I knew that, but I greatly appreciate the elucidation. I'm rather offended that I work in music and have a ton of musician friends and not one of them has reached out to help me understand. And my misunderstanding of the mask just highlights my ignorance further. I'll check out the suggestions and I appreciate the comment and interaction! Oh, and I'm positive Beni is safe! The safety in a crush is in the acceptance of the reality it would never come to fruition. Take Care and Cheers!
@@TheWyldesidewithEricClark Do not worry because of the confusion of Noh and Kabuki mask. It is quite common. A Japanese pointed out to me when I claimed that Su-metal used a Kabuki mask on the song Megitsune. It is also a Noh mask that represents the spirit of a fox.
@@TheWyldesidewithEricClark You have to see the beginer gaid to Babymetal to get it ruclips.net/video/gDne0xwniTg/видео.html&ab_channel=CrypticMisery There is a link to a shorter version in the description
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments... Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals Machiya - Guitar Asa - Bass Wasabi - Drums with double base pedal Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen (traditional 3 string guitar) Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums) Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp) Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute) ... i recommend to please do comment to their other songs.. - Bring me to life with Amy Lee of Evanesence -Ignite -Sunwheel -Valkyrie -Okinotayuu -Zenbonsakura -Perfect Blue ( live ) -Subaku no Komoruita -Tengaku - Seimei no Aria - Synchrocity - Ikusa - Homura + Akatsuki no Ito live and still more.. I be following your reactions... im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino... Thank You
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments... Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals Machiya - Guitar Asa - Bass Wasabi - Drums with double base pedal Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen (traditional 3 string guitar) Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums) Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp) Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute) ... i recommend to please do comment to their other songs.. - Bring me to life with Amy Lee of Evanesence -Ignite -Sunwheel -Valkyrie -Okinotayuu -Zenbonsakura -Perfect Blue ( live ) -Subaku no Komoruita -Tengaku - Seimei no Aria - Synchrocity - Ikusa - Homura + Akatsuki no Ito live and still more.. I be following your reactions... im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino... Thank You
You have the best reaction to this performance by far. The enjoyment you show and your analysis are amazing to watch and listen, props to you! I discovered this band a week ago and man they just went top of my list in an instant. I really hope you react to more live performances of them because they have a ton of crazy good songs, and you are a crazy good reactor. Cheers!
I remember one more thing. About Machiya's guitar. He has many guitars, all Sagos. Seven strings with two frets or five frets extra to meet Japanese scale.
its a Baritone Guitar
I enjoyed your rich expression on many aspects of Wagakki band! 1) The guitarist Machiya was playing extended 29 fret one. He mentioned it is not good for audiences and other musicians to waste the moments to change guitar for the different key songs. So he change capo position on the same guitar. 2) The mask he was wearing is not for Kabuki. That is for the different theatrical play Noh. Kabuki is like spectacular opera, while Noh is rather an abstract and slow moving one based on classic stories for 500 years ago people. Through mask, the actor expresses internal emotions; sorrow, anxiety, joy, etc. 3) The rumor says Wagakki band was supposed to support Tokyo Olympic in 2020, if we did not have this current pandemic situation. So sad…Hope you continue further on Wagakki, such like Senbonzakura, Chieno Kajitsu + Somosan Seppa, Hakushu Kasai, etc. Please chose the live version.
Thank you so much for the comment and info! I do plan on doing another Wagakki Band reaction, but I'm trying to keep things fresh by spreading it out among other genres. Thanks again for taking the time to contribute!
Cheers!
Eric
Best WGB reaction I've seen yet. It's insane how in depth you went on this.
I just gained a whole new appreciation of this performance thanks to your reaction Eric. Well done!
Machiya plays a Sago guitar, it's a 33 scale baritone with 29 frets tuned BEADF # B, with capo at the 5th fret it becomes standard E tuning.
This is the greatest reaction I've ever seen 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
As a person who has live the entire rock era, I have fallen in love with Wagakki Band. I've listened to days worth of their stuff. Their live performances are actually better than their studio recorded vids. They are well funded, heavily produced to make great shows, perfectly recorded and mixed and they love doing music (there are tons of videos of them interacting off stage).
Asa of Wagakki band plays 5 string bass and Machya plays 7 string 32 fret guitar. Ikusa(War), Synchronicity(Jazz), Ignite(rap wagakki type song, Queen of the Night(balled), Sakura Rising w Amy Lee(wagakki song), Singin for (anthem type), Aria of Life (Theme for Mars Red), Roki(crazy song)Senbonzakura( anti-war song first hit Vocaloid), Sasamayki, Kyougasuigestu(Yuko acapela and differnet band combos) . All songs are great. Videos are great and very artistic but live is best.
I checked out Synchronicity and loved it and am so far enjoying my journey through their catalog. Thank you for the suggestions and info!
Cheers!
Machiya (Oumura Shin) plays Sago guitars. Video with presentation of the prototype series Seed Kotetsu ... ruclips.net/video/_wzaTMbtAtw/видео.html
and Shigure 7 ruclips.net/video/ZJueqs5HEmw/видео.html
ASA plays bass guitar Mayones Comodous 5.
The Mayones family business was established in 1982 in Gdańsk (Poland). It was founded by Zenon and Halina Dziewulski (after Zenon Dziewulski's death, the company is run by his wife Halina and sons Dawid and Tomasz)
About Machiya's mask.
Others have already pointed out. This is not "Kabuki mask" but "Noh mask".
In Kabuki, the facial expression of the actor is an important factor. Therefore, Kabuki generally does not use masks.
On the other hand, Noh is characterized by using a mask designed to be expressionless. It is said that emotions are expressed by the shadow created by the light that hits the Noh mask.
About Daisuke's shakuhachi.
The shakuhachi is made from bamboo grown in nature. In other words, it is not an instrument created by humans. It is a tool that allows humans to use the shapes created by nature as musical instruments. Therefore, the shakuhachi is a different musical instrument one by one, and it is a simple musical instrument with a hole in the bamboo. It is said that it is a very difficult instrument to use because it is simple. (Beginners struggle for a long time just to make a simple sound)
For that reason, I feel that the skill that Daisuke controls the shakuhachi without feeling any stress is amazing.
About Kurona's Japanese drums.
He started training Japanese drums in Tokyo when he was nine years old. Wadaiko is used all over Japan. There are many types of taiko drums, from small ones that can be held with one hand to large ones that are as tall as an adult.
There is a group called "Kodo" that specializes in playing Japanese drums. Kodou is touring all over the world and playing Japanese drums. Those who are interested in Japanese drums are encouraged to listen to the powerful performance of the heartbeat once.
from Japan (This is a sentence using a translation app. I hope the intention is conveyed correctly.)
Thank you so very much for additional information. I appreciate the work you put into this reply and respect your helping me understand better. I look forward to diving deeper into their catalogs, both as a band and as individuals. Thank you again, and take care!
Cheers!
Wagakki Band are phenomenal. The amount of rock and metal talent (especially female) coming out of Japan is mind boggling. I'm sure other people have asked you to react to the Japanese all female metal band Lovebites by now but allow me to add my vote to the list as well.
I'll check them out! Thanks for the suggestion!
Cheers.
Wagakki Band is one of the most unique and talented music groups on the planet. You are by no means alone in thinking Asa was a woman at some time. He is gorgeous. Also, good on you for simping over Beni. Many first-time viewers are so mesmerized by the very elegant Yuko that the lovely Beni sometimes gets overlooked.
They're all beautiful people and wonderfully talented. And I'm shocked, SHOCKED I tell you, that Beni would in any way shape or form be overlooked.
Cheers!
The cameraman wasn't mistaken, there is a call and response between the guitar and bass, I think it's to divert attention so that Beni's entrance is more unexpected.
You are in for a very interesting ride, enjoy
From France:
Some info about Wagakki Band ...
Wagakki means "traditional instruments" and Benigawa plays Tsugaru Shamisen (shamisen means "Three strings"). She uses a traditional plectrum called "Bashi". It is made of two parts, the handle is in ivory origine and the pick is in tortoiseshell and in the shape of a ginko leaf.
Sakahuachi is a traditional bamboo flute ...
Yuko practices shigin (pronounced sheegin) singing and is an expert in Japanese sword dancing and also in handling the fan ...
Kurona plays a traditional percussion ensemble called "wadaiko" ...
Machiya designs his guitars himself. They generally have 27 to 30 frets, hence the use of capos.
Asa, the bassist also has a solo career alongside the Wagakki Band.
In addition, during concerts, the musicians impressively occupy the whole stage. A real visual spectacle.
[Quelques infos au sujet de Wagakki Band...
Wagakki signifie "intruments traditionnels" et Benigawa joue du Tsugaru Shamisen (shamisen signifie "Trois cordes"). Elle utilise un plectre traditionnel appelé "Bashi". Il est fait de deux parties, la poignée est à l'origine en ivoire et le pic est en écaille de tortue et à la forme d'une feuille de ginko.
Sakahuachi est une flûte traditionnelle en bambou...
Yuko pratique le chant shigin et est experte en danse du sabre japonais et aussi en maniement de l'éventail...
Kurona joue d'un ensemble de percussions traditionnelles appelé "wadaiko"...
Machiya dessine lui-même ses guitares. Elles ont en général 27 à 30 frettes, d'où l'utilisation de capodastres.
Asa, le bassiste a aussi une carrière solo à côté du Wagakki Band.
Par ailleurs, lors des concerts, les musiciens occupent de façon impressionnante toute la scène. Un véritable spectacle visuel.]
Eric, I keep posting a little diatribe about Band-Maid but the comments disappear. Band-Maid is a must see. I'll give you two Lives you can find on their YT channel: DOMINATION-LIVE for the quintessential Band-Maid showing their engaging stage presence and unique songwriting ability. ONSET-LIVE is an instrumental that other bands can only dream of writing and playing. BAND-MAID is Awesome!
I appreciate the comment. My brother actually introduced me to Band Maid a while ago, but I'll dig deeper on them.
Cheers!
The very best analysis of this band that I have heard. Thank you.
Wow, thank you so much!! I always feel I sound like an idiot, even after 30 years!
Cheers!
Eric
BAND-MAIKO uses Japanese instruments like Wagakki Band. Check out BAND-MAID's song and Gacharic-Spin for the bassist.
Beni and Yuko have their own YT channels...and the whole band has put out several fun videos, like Beni bungee jumping and them riding roller coasters. Yuko is also a classically trained pianist and does instructional videos on RUclips. Yuko is singing in the Shigin style, tone poems set to music. She is the finest Shigin singer in Japan.
Really good and in depth reaction.
For a more good view of what is the traditionalshigin style is (prononciation she-gin with a hard g) a far more recent version of Akatsuki no ito has been posted recently where Yuuko san recites the whole poem.
ruclips.net/video/wf1SVZOpW_c/видео.html
Akatsuki no ito is a very positive song, full of hopes and has become, rightly, their anthem that they are playing during the "encore" part of their gigs.
One thing I also noticed on Yuuko(s clothes. Most people will say that they are very traditionnal looking. That's not entirely true. You will also find that mix of traditional/european style that is the trademark of WB. Above the waist her clothes looks very much like a standard ceremonial kimono, but below the belt it's looks more like a normal european long dress, showing (beautiful) legs when she's moving.
Legs yuko is art
Thank you for the additional information!
Cheers!
Interesting review, it's rare nowadays on youtube. Thank you for spending so much of your time for it.
Yeah, we've seen them in lots ocassions where they play like friends, who like music. They actually camp together. At least in the beginning, because this way they could work easier and also get to know each other better.
Yuko majored piano in University, you can see her play at the same concert with Amy Lee. You must know then, about Hanafugetsu (Yuko, Dai, Kiyoshi) where she plays piano.
Asa (Ah-sa), is also coming from a visual kei band. Visual kei is a specific genre in Japan, related to the visual presentation of the artist, like cross-dressing, heavy make-up ect. Carreful, you may soon be suggested some band names from this genre.
7 out of 8 members have composed for the band. Asa being the 3rd after Machi and Yuko.
I think Kurona was just matching the bass drums of Wasabi here. You can see his work better in other videos, i guess. btw they do a drum battle each live show. In the end of the tour, the one with more loses has to take a punishment, like bunji jumping or something.
Daisuke Kaminaga always stands out to the foreign fans, and no wonder. He is the one said to have a school, but apart from seeing him with kids and shakuhachi, idk much about it. Can you imagine he started playing at 18?
Beni got me with her playing exactly here on "Homura". I don't think the shamisen is meant to be used in such fast music, but there she is. Other than the fact that she is beautiful, i also enjoy when she plays. Somehow, when i see other shamsien players, they don't give me the same vibe, she is more elegant.
If you follow Beni on youtube, you'd see their chemistry with Wasabi, he is often her guest.
Kiyoshi - another fine piece of the wagakki puzzle. The sound of the koto is wonderful. I knew all of those instruments (except for the shakuhachi maybe), but got to explore more, only when i found Wagakki band.
Here is the time to mention all of them have a solo work of some sort.
Now, Machiya (mah-chee-ya) is.. if Yuko is the band's face, heart and souls, he is the brain probably. I don't think they pointed out an official leader. Yuko is more fans-oriented and representing the band, after all, it's her idea and she was the one getting the members together. But in studio, i think Machi rules: main composer, now chief arranger. He is self produced solo artist, has an indie band, tones of other session work and bands with him, therefore more experienced.
In the beginning, Wagakki used help from foreign producers and arrangers, but eventually their managment was convinved to put more responsibility on Machi.
When Wagakki band debuted, he started to produce those longer neck guitars with Sago company. His latest model is a 7-string guitar for a first time.
And yeah, since he is a vocalist of his indie band, he is allowed to sing here too, backing Yuko or solo from time to time.
Like another comment pointed out, he is also knows as Shin Oumura.
btw, "Homura" is from his solo work before Wagakki, so originally no bass and shamisen solos. They play both versions though. "Akatsuki no ito" is also guitarist's song, from their first album with original music. Now a theme song of the band. In the video, there's a dragon. You can imagine their first music videos were heavily oriented in themes like that - anime like, samurai battles, fairy tales...nowadays they toned this down. Got more matured or it's the change of the label, who knows?
It will be too much (as if it's not aleady) if i continue typing.
If you'd like to see more of Machiya's singing, do it here:
~Tsuioku (acoustic ver.) Yuko sing in the original, but youtube don't allow few of their concerts uploaded, you can find ver. with her elsewhere.
ruclips.net/video/416Krbnbur8/видео.html
~Episode.0
ruclips.net/video/xET6Ahuy-KI/видео.html
~Kyoushu no sora
ruclips.net/video/QEzyZwWCkos/видео.html
I'd like you to see this too:
~Hotarubi ( i mean this exact live, for a better experience of the song)
ruclips.net/video/rbrRbpE4sV0/видео.html
the channel provides lyrics.
As you may guess, anything you grab from this band will be amazing. Don't forget you may stumble upon some instrumentals. They make those exclusively for live shows.
Thank you so much for the information and the effort you put into this reply! I admittedly being deluged with suggestions to review and I am trying my best to keep up with them by writing them down. I try not to watch or hear any of the suggestions so I can go into them as cold as possible.
I have started to dig deeper into the band and while amazed at their work, not really amazed, if that makes sense. I've enjoyed all the input their fanbase has put into my review and am thankful for the help with understanding something new to me. I've been working as a program director and music director for Rock music radio stations for almost 30 years, but even us old dogs enjoy learning new tricks!
Again, thank you so much for the direction and information and hopefully I can get through all the requests! Between WB and the other bands suggested, I feel I'll be busy for a bit!
Cheers,
Eric
@@TheWyldesidewithEricClark My pleasure. No need to pressure yourself with the suggestions. It's our duty as fans to give you the hints. It's your decision when to give the band time again.
I am passionate music listener, but i don't have any professional knowledge.
Believe it or not, i didn't got into Wagakki band immediately, even though i already liked Jap. rock and traditional Japanese instruments separately. Why i thought a combination wouldn't be my taste? But the more i listened, the more i was amazed. Everything has its right time to come. I needed them exactly then and there, not sooner nor later.
Yes, the Japanese music scene is deep. I have a few interesting names for you, but i'll give you time to catch up if you want.
10Q (thank you) for the content !
Great review. Your pronunciation is basically alright with some corrections. Shi-gin should be shi(like she) and gi of gin should be like gui of guitar. Pronunce it as She-guin totally. Machiya and Asa should be proununce like Spanish. Yuko is not a sword master but a Traditional "sword dance" master. Yes she uses her fan as they do in traditional Japanese dance. Shi-gin is not operatic, it's traditional poem recital.
I recommend you to try their another aspects. Very Japanese side based on an old Japanese folk tale "Toono monogatari kyuu-yon". ruclips.net/video/hLYPvErslH8/видео.html
An up beat folk rock, "Senbonzakura". ruclips.net/video/Xjwe9WyO8Qs/видео.html
A beatiful piece of art, "Kyoshu no sora". ruclips.net/video/V2jeCJ-uzUc/видео.html
You sound like you love metal in 80s. If so, try a Japanese outstanding metal band "Lovebites". They've got DNA from all the great band of the golden ages 80s, such as Maiden, Priest, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath and other good ones, and with their own unique style. They are carrying on the authentic metal in 21st century style. I won't tell you more for your surprise. I tell you one thing though, hold your jaw tight and enjoy.
My suggestions. "Chopin Revolutionary Etude + Swan Song" ruclips.net/video/WBhtqgiXEA4/видео.html
Begins with ballad, ends with power metal. "Edge of the World" ruclips.net/video/UZjxMjBop7w/видео.html
Typical power metal. "Holy War" ruclips.net/video/bgAxpEpEcno/видео.html
Thank you for all the help and suggestions! I'll try to get to all of that at some point. I'm coming to realize their fan base is very passionate and have flooded me with suggestions and requests.
And I appreciate the help with the phonics!!
Cheers,
Eric
Please react more Wagakki band live performance
WAGAKKI BAND IS AWESOME, AMAZING!!! 🤘🤘🤘
I know it's been over a week since this video was published, but I'm going to respond to some of your comments and questions. The mask is inspired by Noh theater. Kabuki doesn't use masks; it uses face paint. As for Machiya's guitar, that's a Sago Kotetsu baritone guitar. It has 29 frets for a 33" scale, and he obviously uses a capo on it to change the tuning. There are three styles of shamisen in Japan, and the tsugaru-shamisen like Beni's is the largest of the three but has the smallest bachi (the paint scraper). I've heard Machiya compared to Steve Vai more often than any other guitarist. Machiya usually does their arrangements. Yuko, Daisuke, and Kiyoshi first formed a group called Hanafugetsu with Yuko singing and usually playing piano along with the guys playing shakuhachi and koto. Hanafugetsu still performs together on occasion. Beni was the last member to join Wagakki Band, at least until I learn how to play a biwa, join the band, and marry her.
Wasabi, Yuko, Beni, and Asa have RUclips channels that are updated fairly regularly. Yuko often has English subtitles, Wasabi never has them, Beni's videos eventually get English subtitles, and I forget if Asa's channel has them. The others have channels, but they're all but dead channels with maybe three or four videos. They used to have an online fan club with their old record label, Avex, where they had a bunch of behind the scenes videos and more fun videos like the band going to amusement parks. There's one where Wasabi goes skydiving, and another where Beni, Wasabi, and Kurona go bungee jumping. Those videos are on RUclips, but they don't pop up all that often for me anymore. While I know they'd never film and publish their fights or disagreements if they have them, the videos I've seen of them when they're offstage shows them enjoying each other's company, laughing with each other, always having a good time together. Like you said, their chemistry is off the charts. They remind me of BAND-MAID in that regard where I wish I could have found a shred of that chemistry, that camaraderie, during the days when I was in bands. That's the main thing that makes both bands so special to me, even more so than their incredible skill.
Please react to Lovebites playing Swan song (live). Theres is a piano solo version at beginning.
I will put that on my "Honey Dew" list! Thank you for the comment!
Cheers!
Great recommendation!!
Very good reaction and I really appreciate your effort by looking at the band's and each of their members profile. By the way, this video has 2 songs. The first was Homura and the second was Akatsuki no Ito. I can understand the difficulties of pronouncing the names because of the differences in language. I hope you will react to more of their songs because most of their songs are awesome.
I have one recommendation for your reaction. The song title is Hakushu Kassai
ruclips.net/video/mcrrMBN73zY/видео.html
Thank you for the suggestion, I'll put that on my list. Also I appreciate the comment and the help understanding something new!
Cheers!
The guitar is a 29 fret Sago Kotetsu Machiya Signature Model
Hey.....you need too check out these bands as well, Band Maid, Domination, live. Lovebites, Set the World on Fire, live & Nemophila, Dissension, MV. ❤🎙🎸🥁😎👌 Thats just the tip of a hugh iceberg, the Japanese Rock & Metal scene is ridiculous as in ridiculously good !!!🤘
Eric: "Note to metal bands moving forward: Taiko drums - getcha a Taiko drummer"
Scott Buchanan (Unleash The Archers): "Here.....hold my beer"
🙂
I think Japan has a lot top quality musicians. Wagakki is amazing but also check out Band-Maid next. All female hard rock band. Top drummer, bassist, guitarist in rock right now. Them and Wagakki are like once in a lifetime quality.
BTW Eric - for Japanese word pronunciation, try to remember their language works on consonant/vowel pair letters, solo vowel letters and a few exception letters. For example, "ka" "ke" "ki" "ko" "ku" which are pronounced with a short vowel no matter what. To get the long vowel sound, a loose vowel then doubles up afterwards, so you have "do" short (as in do-ctor) or "doo" long sound (as in Homer Simpson's "Doh!"). Coincidentally, the English word "do" would be how you pronounce a Japanese "du".
You will find you'll need to unlearn your English vowel modification rules when speaking Japanese. Also, some of your American vowel pronunciation will need to change to a more traditional English pronunciation to be absolutely correct. For example the "ki" on the end of the band's name shouldn't sound like "key" when you speak it, rather it should be a short sharp sound like the "ki-" portion of "kip" (Same as "chi" is the lead portion of "chip")
There are then there's compounded letters (called Yōon) which are a combination of any "i" tailed letters with the "i" changed to "ya" (e.g. ki +ya = kya........pronounced with the lead consonant and the trailing "ya" but as a continuous unbroken sound). And then there is the "Sokuon" which is used in the band's name "Wagakki" to get the double "k". It's basically a short pause on the following consonant of a pair when written in HIragana - it appears as the doubled consonant when written in Romaji (writing Japanese using in english characters).
You can get a cheat sheet here - japanese-lesson.com/resources/pdf/characters/hiragana_chart.pdf
Esta é a melhor reação no YT, cuja análise está nas mãos de quem realmente é um músico, sem fronteiras.
Wagakki Band...is PURE LIFE in MUSIC.
❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Cool video and nice reaction
Yes, The guitar is way longer than a normal guitar (has a lot more frets), which is why he has a capo on I guess, the name of the guitar is "Sago Kotetsu", it seems to be his signature guitar since he shows up on the guitar website
Hope you do more of these videos, Japan has a lot of amazing rock and metal bands
Thanks for the comment and info!
Cheers!
Eric
Very insightful analysis, by far the best I’ve heard on Wagakki Band so far. Btw, I consider myself an atheist and don’t believe in God, but when Beni enters the stage I have to admit, there are probably goddesses.
You should do their instrumental piece Gobusei (I think that's the one). Yuko incorporates her sword art into that one!
Technically the drums are Wadaiko. Beni plays a tsugaru shamisen, which has a thin neck. Shakuhachi means 8-hole flute.
For the pronunciation of Shigin, enter "詩吟", specify Japanese for Google Translate, and use the voice button to check.
Thank you for an actual analysis... I love WGB and enjoy watching reaction videos of them. Little much at the start, but redeemed ...Really enjoyed the detailed breakdown ... one of the things I've started doing is looking up lyric translations to get the gist of the meaning. You have to look up more than one as the translations differ slightly. Unfortunately, CD's are just about impossible to find. (Yes, I'm old.] Anyway, liked and subscribed...
What I need in my life: A metal band using Taiko and Tabla drums (as well as other traditional drums), a didgeridoo and a sitar player, a chorus of Mongolian throat singers and a singer like Yuko who can sing in traditional Shigin style. Then add some string instruments like a cello and contrabass and maybe even an church organ.
But I need more cowbell.
The wagakki band sings senbonzakura with ami lee in japanese along with a whe symphonic orcestra...
I'll check that out!
Cheers!
I would love to see your reaction on 山下達郎/Tatsuro Yamashita - Let's Dance Baby Live at Osaka Festival Hall 1999
One thing I've noticed mostly listening through headphones is that they actually use the left and right channels. Most modern bands I can get away with just one side, but not with Wagakki Band. Not exactly a knock against anyone, but just something I love that can add more feeling to a song. I would say Comfortably Numb would be a good classic rock example with the guitar in the intro.
Oh.....and Asa....(pronounce "A" "sa" with short vowels)........yeah, most western guys crush on him when they first see him.....me included when I saw him in Senbozakura. And yes....Beni is HOT!!!!!❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
You should react to band maid as well...
wonder if you ever watched any of the Kami Band when there second guitarist was still alive. They used to be baby-metals original band. Baby Metal Rondo of Nightmare. Live at Budokan Black Night.
Connection
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments...
Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals
Machiya - Guitar
Asa - Bass
Wasabi - Drums with double base pedal
Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen
(traditional 3 string guitar)
Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums)
Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp)
Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute)
... i recommend to please do comment to their other songs..
- Bring me to life with Amy Lee of Evanesence
-Ignite
-Sunwheel
-Valkyrie
-Okinotayuu
-Zenbonsakura
-Perfect Blue ( live )
-Subaku no Komoruita
-Tengaku
- Seimei no Aria
- Synchrocity
- Ikusa
- Homura + Akatsuki no Ito live
and still more..
I be following your reactions...
im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino...
Thank You
You made the right choice. The Amy Lee collab with Wagakki band is often suggested, but in my opinion it is not a good look for either Amy or for WB. She is past her peak and was never at the level of Suzuhana-sama. WB had to dial it back to avoid blowing her off the stage. Anyway, congratulations on the deep dive and learning so much through your own research. I won't post my usual intro since it would just repeat what you found. Just a quick glossary for your viewers:
The “lute” thing is a Shamisen.
The “harp” thing is a Koto.
The “flute thing” is a shakuhachi.
The band was founded by the singer, SUZUHANA Yuko.
Beni is my jam too! She is just bewitching.
...and then, up steps Beni!
Not a single note out of place. If you want to emphasize your point I suggest a double reaction. First react to "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence, then "Bring Me To Life" with the same singer (Amy Lee) but with The Wagakki band. You should also check out The Hu band doing a cover of the Metallica song "Sad But True", no Taiko drums, but other traditional instruments. And finally check out Alip Ba Ta "Bohemian Rhapsody" cover on an acoustic guitar for a mind blowing performance. Enjoy.
Thank you for the input and info!
Cheers!
FYI, when pronouncing japanese names, all vowels are short sound except O. O is pronounced long O. Also, the G in Shigen is like "gate" rather than like "general".
You called it on EJ and Cliffs of Dover, I thought that immediately the first time I heard this song! lol Enjoyed your reaction as usual, EC. As to a musician level match, I suggest you check out the Swedish jazz-pop trio (keys/vocals, bass and drums) Dirty Loops. They are actually managed by Quincy Jones and are at the highest level...period. They started doing covers but they have amazing original recent material as well. Cheers!
I had a crush on Beni [like everybody else] but Yuko has now taken over :)
If you want to see Asa in hyperdrive: ruclips.net/video/QnKTwuwe6E8/видео.html
If you want drums and something completely different try this: ruclips.net/video/kmWTZ3KfnXE/видео.html [scandinoir not japanese]
I know you are a professional Radio DJ and you have a nice voice :) Daisuke is pronounced Dice K. Machiya is like Matchy Ya. I don't know what Machiya's guitar is using but the female band BRIDEAR's guitarist uses her fathers handmade :)
Thank you for the help!
Cheers!
Eric
His guiter has extra low fret.
He wanted low sound besides seven strings.
Thank you!
Cheers!
It's not a Kabuki mask. There is no such thing as a Kabuki mask.
It's called "Noh-men" Noh mask.
Wgb is amazing. Great reaction! XD
They are extremely gifted musicians and have so far enjoyed diving deeper into their catalog.
Cheers!
If you think only jazz bands can be super tight, it's worth checking out musicians from the West African griot tradition, where families often have centuries with an instrument. For instance:
m.ruclips.net/video/TBiJJ-9NYAk/видео.html
^ They were unbelievably tight live at Womadelaide. There are many others with similar skill levels, and ditto in Indian classical music.
This is not to take anything away from the Wagakki Band whom I'd dearly love to see live! ;-)
Band maid - Freedom
Ningen Isu - Heartless Scat
Band maid - freedom
Ha you’re not wrong, Asa (ahh Sah) is hot, but you chose wisely with Beni. Didn’t know about Yuko on swords, cool.
That guitar is “normal” six strings, tuning, etc. But the body design is kinda unique (dunno the brand), body cutaway for ease of reaching high notes, makes the neck look longer. Ahhh, and you finally gave props for him playing without looking, easy for parts or short times, but the whole piece?!
Japan loves their guitar heroes, know Gary Moore, Yngvie, etc, but prefer Ritchie Blackmore and Paul Gilbert to Jimmy Page and Steve Vai, subtle, but palpable. Good call, Eric Johnson sounding.
Satriani? reminds me of another Japanese strength. Not just female talent, but prodigies. Here are two of Japan’s biggest (RUclips) exports, LisaX and Yoyoka, absolutely world class young ladies, already played with the worlds best and festival crowds at such young ages. Yoyoka put out three pop albums with her family as band by the end of elementary school, played with Cyndi Lauper, FallOutBoy, and kiss (missed chance for onstage, broke her hand on the playground?!!!), props from foo fighters, RATM, deep purple, & many more (like joined onstage by jguitarist who used to employ Carmine Appice, who’s also jammed with her at a convention; in North America, Pearl flew her in).
LisaX’s first tour had Polyphia open. She was signed to Sony for instrumental prog metal (vai, Satriani, Johnson, Gilbert), at age 11. Jammed w bumblefoot, Mateus ASato, jason Richardson, Polyphia(featured in video), megadeth/Angra guitarist Kiko, Marty Friedman (actual official Japanese cultural ambassador) at age 10&16. At
Here they are doing Satch Boogie at twelve and sixteen. They’d previously done a covid/online collab. And both have throwing that hack Billy Sheehan some work (I play bass; still waiting by the phone…)
Enough fanboy, a starting point, Satch Boogie ruclips.net/video/1U846U6nDuk/видео.html
Ps, BandMaid seems absolutely in your “what happened to good rock” wheelhouse. How about Domination live (2019?) ruclips.net/video/QbyQCJn6rYg/видео.html It’s bout 1/3 English, fun with subtitles if available, will help you hear their accent better in future… btw, they, esp Ah-ka-neigh drummer Akane, got in-person kudos in their early days (2015? they started in 2013, at 19-22yrs old) by none other than Jimmy Page, who’s just seen them live at an awards show…
何回戻すの？壊れたかと思ったわ
NO! NO! NO! It's not a Kabuki mask, it's a "Noh" mask that represents the spirit of a woman. There is about 200 years difference between Kabuki and Noh theater. Kabuki theater uses more makeup.
Maciya uses it on songs he brought with him from previous solo projects.
Homura means flame, and you will find at least 6 different versions of it, with and without Beni and Kurona, different bass solo and intro. Akatsuki no ito means "Thread of down" and is a very special song for WGB. The audience uses it as an Encore chant. The song is written by Machiya who accounts for at least 50% of the songs. He is the one who has the last word and is responsible for the arrangement of the songs.
You're absolutely right WGB is a supergroup, and takes you on a journey with their songs
Machiya plays a Sago guitar, it's a 33 "scale baritone with 29 frets tuned BEADF # B, if you capo at the 5th fret it becomes a 25.5" scale guitar in standard E tuning.
When Machiya in an interview was asked what music he was listening to. He replied Slipknot.
Can highly recommend:
"Hangeki no yaiba" Daishinnenkai 2018
"Hotarubi" Premium symphonic night Vol.2
"Ignite" Manatsu no Daishinnenkai 2020
"Iroha Utha" Manatsu no Daishinnenkai 2020
Great reaction by the way 👍
And stay away from Beni 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you so much for the additional information, as I am a neophile to this particular genre! I knew the guitar was different, but not being a musician, not sure as to why I knew that, but I greatly appreciate the elucidation. I'm rather offended that I work in music and have a ton of musician friends and not one of them has reached out to help me understand. And my misunderstanding of the mask just highlights my ignorance further.
I'll check out the suggestions and I appreciate the comment and interaction!
Oh, and I'm positive Beni is safe! The safety in a crush is in the acceptance of the reality it would never come to fruition.
Take Care and Cheers!
@@TheWyldesidewithEricClark Do not worry because of the confusion of Noh and Kabuki mask. It is quite common. A Japanese pointed out to me when I claimed that Su-metal used a Kabuki mask on the song Megitsune. It is also a Noh mask that represents the spirit of a fox.
@@DrAcula-os1nz I noticed that Baby Metal is heavy on the Fox imagery. I'm starting to think it's more common of a theme than I originally thought.
@@TheWyldesidewithEricClark You have to see the beginer gaid to Babymetal to get it
ruclips.net/video/gDne0xwniTg/видео.html&ab_channel=CrypticMisery
There is a link to a shorter version in the description
@@DrAcula-os1nz Thank you for the insight and direction!
u speak way too much
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments...
Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals
Machiya - Guitar
Asa - Bass
Wasabi - Drums with double base pedal
Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen
(traditional 3 string guitar)
Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums)
Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp)
Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute)
... i recommend to please do comment to their other songs..
- Bring me to life with Amy Lee of Evanesence
-Ignite
-Sunwheel
-Valkyrie
-Okinotayuu
-Zenbonsakura
-Perfect Blue ( live )
-Subaku no Komoruita
-Tengaku
- Seimei no Aria
- Synchrocity
- Ikusa
- Homura + Akatsuki no Ito live
and still more..
I be following your reactions...
im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino...
Thank You
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments...
Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals
Machiya - Guitar
Asa - Bass
Wasabi - Drums with double base pedal
Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen
(traditional 3 string guitar)
Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums)
Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp)
Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute)
... i recommend to please do comment to their other songs..
- Bring me to life with Amy Lee of Evanesence
-Ignite
-Sunwheel
-Valkyrie
-Okinotayuu
-Zenbonsakura
-Perfect Blue ( live )
-Subaku no Komoruita
-Tengaku
- Seimei no Aria
- Synchrocity
- Ikusa
- Homura + Akatsuki no Ito live
and still more..
I be following your reactions...
im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino...
Thank You