Shoji Tabuchi

b. 1946, Daishoji, Ishikawa, Japan. Trained as a classical violinist, Tabuchi heard Roy Acuff in concert and was inspired to change to a different musical form. At the age of 18 he formed his own band, the Bluegrass Ramblers, and became successful. His ambition, though, was for eminence in America and in 1967, with a few hundred dollars and his violin, he arrived in San Francisco. He soon displayed surprising ability as a performer of American country music and allied this to remarkable entrepreneurial skills. From 1970-75 he was the opening act for David Houston. Playing for ...