SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MINYO CRUSADERS – FROM JAPAN WITH LOVE

MINYO CRUSADERS
FROM JAPAN WITH LOVE
BLUE NOTE RECORDS

Tokyo’s folk-fusion collective Minyo Crusaders have released their fifth record, From Japan With Love, which is rooted in traditional Japanese folk music, fusing Latin, African, and Caribbean rhythms into a lively, cross-cultural sound.

“Hokkai Bonuta” starts the party with Latin and traditional Japanese folk music, featuring energetic percussive instruments, guitars, and vocals that will surely bring the house down. “Kokiriko Bushi,” which is an ode to an original Japanese folk song sung by Omodaka.

“Hanagasa Ondo,” featuring Colombian band Frente Cumbiero, is the standout track on the record. Brass and percussion set the scene on the opening track, with folk-inspired mixing and a hint of bass guitar in the background. The vocals kick in at the 26-second mark, adding an emotional depth to the song.

“Waido Bushi,” featuring Japanese singer Chitose Hajime, blends Latin, rock, jazz, and Japanese folk music, using a variety of instruments such as drums and guitar. Hajime’s falsetto vocals belt out life in the countryside.

Ending the cross-country trek to Japan is “Iyo Manzai,” a 17th-century Japanese comedic performance rooted in folk stories and comedy. The collective makes a twist, fusing Latin groove with folk while telling a hilarious story based on a play. The main players are the infectious instrumentation and Katsumi Tanaka’s vocals, which carry the track’s vibes.

Minyo Crusaders’ From Japan With Love brings the rich culture and history of Japanese folk music, adding emotional depth and folklore while blending Latin, African, and Caribbean rhythms into a symbiotic collaboration and a universal language of community. It comes highly recommended and is worth listening to for a night out or even at a music festival. It will get your toes tapping through the night.

record, From Japan With Love, which is rooted in traditional Japanese folk music, fusing Latin, African, and Caribbean rhythms into a lively, cross-cultural sound.

“Hokkai Bon Uta” starts the party with Latin and traditional Japanese folk music, featuring energetic percussion, guitars, and vocals that will surely bring the house down. “Kokiriko Bushi,” which is an ode to an original Japanese folk song sung by Omodaka. It translates to melody in Japanese.

“Hanagasa Ondo,” featuring Colombian band Frente Cumbiero, is the standout track on the record. Brass and percussion set the scene on the opening track, with folk-inspired mixing and a hint of bass guitar in the background. The vocals kick in at the 26-second mark, adding an emotional depth to the song.

“Waido Bushi,” featuring Japanese singer Chitose Hajime, blends Latin, rock, jazz, and Japanese folk music, using a variety of instruments including drums and guitar. Hajime’s falsetto vocals belt out life in the countryside.

Ending the cross-country trek to Japan is “Iyo Manzai,” a 17th-century Japanese comedic performance rooted in folk stories and comedy. The collective makes a twist, fusing Latin groove with folk while telling a hilarious story based on a play. The main players are the infectious instrumentation and Katsumi Tanaka’s vocals, which carry the track’s vibes.

Minyo Crusaders’ From Japan With Love brings the rich culture and history of Japanese folk music, blending emotional depth and folklore while blending Latin, African, and Caribbean rhythms into a symbiotic collaboration and a universal language of community. It comes highly recommended and is worth listening to for a night out or even at a music festival. It will get your toes tapping through the night.

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