The Shikandaza group is very refreshing and relaxing.  I just love the jazz feel, with the uniqueness of all the Japanese instruments.
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Far East musicianship meets the smooth grooves of the West on Shikandaza’s CROSSROADS to create a cool sound they call Japanese Jazz. This outstanding recording of Asian fusion is a fantastic follow up to the 2003 debut ON THE BRIDGE. In Japanese the word “shikandaza” translates to orchestra… it breaks down like this: Shi means strings, kan means flute, da means percussion and za means group. The Shikandaza shikandaza includes the ancient instruments of Japan, such as the shakuhachi, koto and shamisen… all played with a Smooth Jazz feel and vibe and at the helm of this innovative ensemble is Canadian producer, musician and educator Ian Smith. Fans of Hiroshima will fall in love with Shikandaza and their own unique brand of Japanese tradition combined with Smooth Jazz sensibilities… an infused musical meeting at the crossroads of jazz and Japan.
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