One of my favorite groups came “home” to the Birchmere this past weekend.  I say home, because as Hiroshima group leader Dan Kuramoto tells it, the DC area is where it began for them over 30 years ago.   It was here where they played their first ever east coast gigs at DC’s own Howard University, and where they first felt the love and appreciation those fans had for their music.  The impact their music made was strong and very real. 

The Powers That Be told Hiroshima that it would be nearly impossible to market an Asian band to the music loving public.  Many reasons were given for their probable failure: Asians don’t buy music or go to concerts, nobody would be interested in hearing Asian instruments being played, this group doesn’t “fit” the musical mold of what’s hot and selling, etc.  You get the picture.  Well, that was over 30 years ago.  Hiroshima found their audience.  They found it in many places: in smooth and contemporary jazz, in world music, in rock, in pop, and in R&B, because that’s what they are, a blend of all of those musical components.  We are so glad that Hiroshima did not listen to the naysayers.  We are so glad that they stuck to their vision.  Look what we would have missed if they had not stayed their course; a 30 plus year musical history which includes 18 albums and four million records sold!

This is a group that needs to be seen as well as heard.  You walk into the venue and you see their set-up, the keyboards, the bass, the horns, the drums, the percussion, and then you get a look at the koto, and the taiko, and if you’re not familiar with this group, you think to yourself, “What in the world is all of this?”  But for established Hiroshima fans, we know we’re in for some incredible music.  Watching June Kuramoto in all of her beauty and elegance as she plays her koto is a treat.  Seeing Shoji Kameda play the taiko with such dramatic flair, hearing band leader Dan Kuramoto play the sax, the flute, and the keyboard all while keeping the audience engaged with conversation,  the Dean Cortez bass solos, Kimo Cornwells overall musicality, and Danny Yamamoto keeping it all together  on drums makes it all worth the price of admission.

So, when they came home to the Birchmere, I was thrilled to be seated up close and personal to hear some of my Hiroshima favorites.  They rightfully opened the show with “Obon 25,” a song that quickly became one of my favorites when Obon was released in 2005.  “Obon 25” should not be in the middle of a set list.  This is a big song – it should either be the opener or the closer, and Hiroshima got it right opening with this song.  

“Obon 25” was followed by “Swiss Ming,” also from Obon.  We also heard songs from their most recent release, Departure,” including “Have You Ever Wondered,” “Koto Cruise,” and “Smiling Jack,” a tribute to Dan’s father.  “Koto Cruise” highlighted June Kuramoto’s skills superbly.  “Another Place,” was given an upgrade and featured an extended koto solo accompanied only by the steady tap of the cymbals.  Bass player Dean Cortez joined in and the song morphed into “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”  I’ve been to other concerts where bands would play their songs and they would morph into “Papa”, but I have to say this was the first time I’ve heard it played on koto.

One of my favorite parts of the show is when Shoji “Youngblood” Kameda takes center stage and does his thing; Tibetan throat singing.  He is accompanied only by Danny Yamamoto on drums, because the other musicians have left the stage.  The audience is enthralled by this performance.  Then he moves on the taiko and plays a duet with Danny on drums.  It’s so dramatic to watch and listen to this exchange.  It is a totally unique musical experience which is rewarded with vocal appreciation and lots of applause. 

The band returned to the stage and finished their set with another one of their classic tunes, “A Thousand Cranes.”  After leaving the stage to a standing ovation, thunderous applause, and noisy adulations (which at the Birchmere include front row audience members beating and pounding on the stage) Dean Cortez returned to play a funky bass solo.  The audience ate it up.  Finally the rest of the band joined him for their encore song.  There are some of you out there old enough to remember the TV show, “Name That Tune,” where contestants had to guess the name of the song based on as few notes played as possible.  Well, the Hiroshima audience guessed within three or four notes that the encore song was “One Wish,” the song that put them on the radar.  Birchmere shows usually last for about 1 ½ hours, but this band played for two. 

I’m glad that Hiroshima continues to want to spend some time with us here at the Birchmere.  I’m already anticipating next year’s show.  I know it will be awesome.