By John Potter

Arts & Culture Apr. 09, 2010 - 07:04AM JST ( 3 )

Even with the West’s increased interest in “world music,” the Ryukyu Islands have remained far adrift from the musical mainstream. Seldom heard, the islands’ centuries-old colorful tradition of music and dancing reflects the people’s determination to express their own culture. John Potter offers the first definitive guide to this vibrant and exciting music, detailing its history and profiling its major personalities. 

This second edition has been extensively revised, expanded and updated to include new chapters and more interviews with the people involved in making roots music from the Ryukyus. 

Originally published in 2001, the new book is a larger size with many more pages and illustrations throughout the text as well as a new color photo section. Major new interviews include those with Toru Yonaha, Ryukyu Underground’s Keith Gordon, and Tatsumi Chibana of Duty Free Shopp.

As well as updating many of the stories told in the first edition, the new book introduces more musicians and brings the history of Ryukyu island music up to date in a clear, informative way. 

This is not simply a second edition but a brand new book which provides the best guide to the music in English.