WagakkiBand Live at Irving Plaza

On March 14th 2016 at New York City Irving Plaza the WagakkiBand had their first concert ever in New York City. This is my first time I'm seeing the band live and I can tell you it's an experience. For those not familiar with WagakkiBand I will bring you up to speed. The WagakkiBand is an 8 piece band that fuses Shigin, poetry recitation rooted in Japanese traditional performing arts, Wagakki traditional Japanese musical instruments and rock music. The band members include Yuko Suzuhana the vocalists. Kiyoshi Ibukuro who plays Koto. Daisuke Kaminaga who plays Shakuhachi. Beni Ninagawa who plays Tsugaru-jamisen. Kurona who plays the Wadaiko. Machiya who plays the guitar. Asa who plays the Bass. Finally Wasabi who is on the drums.

You probably wondering how does such a large band pull it off. The answer to that is with style, respect and homage to the music of Japan. When I say that this an experience I really mean it. The live show is part music, part poetry in motion with a great dance number by Yuko and everyone and I mean everyone gets a solo spot with their instruments.

The crowd was live and with a venue at Irving Plaza you can really hear Yuko hit her high notes. WagakkiBand brought the culture of Japan to New York City. There wasn't one moment that didn't hit it's mark. This band stands out not only because of its great music but what it brings in presentation. The lighting, the outfits and the music made feel I was in Japan. It has so many good vibrations that you cant just sit down. You have to get up and enjoy it. I hope this band returns to NYC at least yearly. Some standout highlights was all of the solo performances, Yuko dance number when she brought out the sword the crowd went nuts. WagakkiBand is a music act that you need to get into if you're a fan of J-Rock. There is nothing like it right now. A group with traditional Japanese sound with modern J-Rock you can't beat it. It's time to join the band.

Final Grade 5 stars out of 5

Check out pics below