Musicians: June Kuramoto (koto), Dan Kuramoto (tenor saxophone, flute, keyboards, synths), Kimo Cornwell (piano, synths), Danny Yamamoto (drums), Shoji Kameda (taiko, percussion), Dean Taba (acoustic bass), Kenny Endo (taiko, percussion), Richie Gajate Garcia (conga, percussion)
Review:
Hiroshima has been around since 1980 and has successfully brought a new sense of jazz to contemporary jazz with its mixture of jazz styles and world music. Hiroshima has pioneered and developed a sound that is uniquely theirs with influences from Asian, Latin American, African American, and more. Their music is imaginative with its intricate jazz motifs.
There are eleven songs in this CD collection. These songs are "Midnight Sun," "On the Fence," "Lanai," "Red Beans and Rice," "Sir Charles," "Hidden Times," "Shades of Honor," "Quan Yin," "Drama," "Hiro Chill," and "Little Tokyo Underground." These songs reflect the themes found in Little Tokyo, a well-known Asian neighborhood in Southern California. "Quan Yin" and "Red Beans and Rice" speak volumes on how harmony can be fully realized in a jazz setting! These songs will appeal to a large audience.
There is an exotic dimension to this CD collection the defies definition. That it is one of Hiroshima's most creative releases to date is definite. Every performance shines with individuality, whether in solo or in group expression.
The songs in this collection are highly lyrical, positive, and enjoyable listening. Hiroshima continues to provide jazz listening audiences with top of the line performances and music. Highly recommended.
JazzReview.com
