The Power of Okinawa
roots music from the ryukyus
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 colourful 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.
If you are interested in any of Okinawa’s sounds you should get this book. It is readable, well-researched and full of stimulating insights…an exemplary handbook.
Songlines
A vital addition to the bookshelves of any world music fan interested in thrilling musics outside the Afro-Latin domination.
fRoots
An entertaining guide to the Okinawan music scene and one of the last “undiscovered” musics of the world.
Japan Times
There has never before been a book written in English on the music of the Ryukyu Islands and there is every indication that this one will be authoritative for many years to come.
Kansai Time Out
