Shoukichi Kina and Champloose of Okinawa created a truly unique style of music. Singing in Uchinaguchi (Okinawan) and using traditional instruments
and rhythms; it is a unique mix, a bit of katcharsee (or the "to stir it up" rhythm)and rock n roll .This amazing sound took Okinawa and Japan by storm. The
Champloose band first became popular during the mid 70's with the mega hit
(included on this CD) Haisai Ojisan or, "Hi Uncle". The
Music Power from Okinawa was recorded for the most part in Kina's own Okinawan
night club in 1977 and the musicians are primarily family members. It is a monumental
recording to say the least.
Listening to Shoukichi Kina and Champloose
album "The Music Power from Okinawa" great tears well in my eyes,
yet all my cares are gone and I am strong. I can feel the Power! It is like
a tropical storm but the day is perfectly clear. We tumble and roll with the ancient
reggae sea rhythm. We bounce like a fisherman’s skiff on the rolling waves but
still that little boat has direction, cutting across the waves to a favorite
spot. There is not a cloud in the sky. The visibility is endless
In the village it is morning and already hot, the chickens are
running around, everyone is so busy, somebody get that horse he's gone mad!
But it is all in slow motion. Every detail is so perfectly clear. The strumming
and pluck of the sanshin
is moving my feet. The big boom of the taiko
and the slap of the funky snare vibrates out the the katcharsee from heart to ass. If this doesn't free your mind you’re
not listening! I feel the most gloriously piercing trills of the background
singers in the wellspring of my soul. My whole being is overcome with "happy
shivers".
There must be some kind of party going on. Is this Okinawa? Hey
All right! Weeeeeeee! Here comes Uncle. Hello Uncle. Oh my am I drunk? Hey now
is this rock and roll? Put that CD on again... cockle doodle do shut that rooster
up, I'm awake already!
Please do not be confused this music is not just about partying.
The spirit of celebration here goes much deeper. It has been forged in the furnace
of eternity and polished clean to destroy ignorance. When this musical sword
cuts off your head you will not find yourself a lifeless corpse, no after this
sword cuts off your head you find yourself dancing and glad to be rid of the
extra weight.
This poem is in thanks to the greatness of Shoukichi Kina and
Champloose:
i daydream that i am a fisherman
(is there much fishing out your way?)
and im in my little boat
(i've never been to okinawa but i ‘m there now)
yes i daydream of island waters
and i'm steering my way home
got fish in my basket and a song in my heart
Sometimes the waters are dark
But that is ok because we know the way home
And we realize it with each stroke
Somewhere there is a great ship sailing on a wondrous mission
The mission has no name but it is sailing onward and spreading the message
To care once again for all life. It sounds so ridiculous.
Ha!
From 15footstick "we are crazy but
we're true",
Nihwee-deebiru
must go to Shoukichi Kina and Champloose for their ultimate sincerity
