Every year I look forward to seeing Hiroshima when they come to town.  This year was no different.  Hiroshima is a local favorite, and once again, they played to a sold out audience.  People come out to experience not only the unique sound, but the eclectic look and feel of this long established group who seem to defy the odds.

This year, they are supporting their latest release, Little Tokyo, which released in May.  For me, when I hear a new CD from any of my favorite musicians, I often wonder how some of the songs will sound played live in concert.  I imagine the song going from good (recorded version) to great (live version) when they put a little heat under it.  That being said, Hiroshima played several songs from Little Tokyo which were fantastic in their live versions.  “Midnight Sun,” “On the Fence,”  “Sir Charles,” and “Red Beans and Rice.”  Along with some choice selections from their extensive back catalog, “Turning Point,” “Time of the Nile,” and “Day Dreamer,” it was a memorable evening.

Dan Kuramoto, the band leader and sax, flute, and shakuhachi player, led the way, playing each song with lots of emotion and passion.   

June played the title song from her solo CD, Spirit and Soul, which she says was inspired by the Native American people and their love of the earth.  She not only enlightened us with her gifted playing, but educated us on her instrument, the koto.  Hiroshima would not be Hiroshima without the beautiful and talented June Kuramoto, who wowed the audience every time she soloed.  The most poignant of her solos was during “Another Place.” 

This is a band that should be seen as well as heard.  It’s one thing to listen to them on a CD or an MP3, but you have to see them live to get the full experience.  It’s a theatrical event to listen to Shoji Kamida do his Tibetan throat singing, and then watch him play the taiko while Danny Yamamoto simultaneously plays the drums.  It’s awe inspiring. 

Hiroshima’s musical style is diverse: Asian, Latin, R&B, and anything else you want to throw in the mix.  It comes from being Japanese Americans raised in South Central LA.  Holding all of this together is a very solid rhythm section consisting of Danny Yamamoto (drums) and Dean Cortez (bass.)

We got a chance to hear bass player Dean Cortez solo before the band closed out their set with their most popular song, the perennial radio favorite, “One Wish.” 

It was a wonderful evening of music and diversity.

- Mary Bentley