Kyle Abbott (shamisen player)
Kyle Abbott | |
|---|---|
| Born | Santa Cruz, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, author |
| Known for | Shamisen performance, creator of Bachido, author of Shamisen of Japan: The Definitive Guide to Tsugaru Shamisen |
Kyle Abbott is an American musician specializing in the shamisen, as well as an author and the creator of Bachido, a global community dedicated to shamisen enthusiasts. His first publication, Shamisen of Japan: The Definitive Guide to Tsugaru Shamisen, released in 2009, has been influential in inspiring numerous albums centered around the instrument. Abbott is also recognized for his live shamisen performances that supported the animators of the 2015 film Kubo and the Two Strings, providing them with an authentic understanding of the instrument’s playing techniques.
Early life
Born to Leslie and Carl Abbott, Kyle grew up in Santa Cruz, California, where he embarked on his musical path at a young age. He initially learned mandolin at seven years old and subsequently expanded his skills to guitar, banjo, violin, and bass. These early musical experiences formed the groundwork for his later focus on the shamisen, which he began studying at age 13. His family played a role in nurturing his teaching abilities by conducting bluegrass workshops.
He has one brother and currently lives in Santa Cruz with his wife, Su Bunjamin.
Career
In 2010, Abbott made a trip to Japan to participate in the National Hirosaki Tsugaru Shamisen Tournament. The following year, he established Bachido, which became the first worldwide shamisen community offering educational materials, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration among players internationally. Today, Bachido boasts over 3,000 members from various countries. His 2009 book remains a detailed resource for both shamisen construction and performance techniques.
Abbott has facilitated workshops throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe and founded a regional shamisen group based in California. In 2015, he initiated the inaugural international shamisen workshop series held in Japan, bringing together leading instructors to motivate musicians globally.
In April 2019, Abbott provided shamisen instruction at the Japantown Immersive event hosted in San Jose.
Recordings and albums
Kyle Abbott’s discography includes multiple albums such as two solo projects: The Cuckoo and Frosty: A Retrospective Christmas. He has also produced and performed on several records with the ensemble Monsters of Shamisen. Alongside his brother Luke Abbott, he formed The Abbott Brothers; their debut EP titled Trifecta was released in July 2012. The band features Mason Hutchinson on bass along with occasional guest artists. Prior to this, Abbott performed with his family under "The Abbott Family Band."
- 2012 – Trifecta (EP)
- 2013 – Stellar (producer; shamisen, vocals, mandolin, percussion, morinhoor, doshpuluur)
- 2014 – Resonance (producer; shamisen, vocals, cello, taiko, morinhoor)
- 2014 – The Cuckoo (producer; vocals, guitar, mandolin, shamisen, bass, ukulele, fiddle, banjo)
- 2016 – Frosty: A Retrospective Christmas (producer; vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass, shamisen)
- 2018 – California Dreams (producer; shamisen, mandolin, guitar)
Awards and recognition
Abbott participated in the National Tsugaru Shamisen Tournaments held in Hirosaki and Kanagi in 2010 where he was honored with the Judge’s Special Award. In both 2013 and 2014, he captained a team of sixteen Bachido members competing in Japan’s Group Division A Class category, securing third place initially and then first place the following year. Returning to compete individually in the Solo Division A Class at the World Tsugaru Shamisen Tournament in Hirosaki in 2019, Abbott once again received the Judge’s Special Award. Additionally, in 2015 he contributed live shamisen performances for the animated film Kubo and the Two Strings, assisting animators in authentically portraying the instrument.
Abbott is also the founder of ShamiCamp—recognized as the first international workshop series for shamisen—which convenes prominent instructors across cities such as Tokyo, Berlin, Sapporo, and locations throughout California.
Collaborations
Abbott has partnered with notable artists including Kenny Endo, John Neptune, Kevin Kmetz, Masahiro Nitta, and Reigen Fujii.