Little Tokyo

• Artist: Hiroshima
• Rating:
• Release Date: May 22, 2007
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

Little Tokyo is Hiroshima's brilliant musical reference to the importance of maintaining a positive, multicultural world view in the midst of international and intercultural tensions. The group has often used this type of subject matter and symbolism in their songs to convey the feelings and moods which have been inspired by current events, places, and people. The 11 songs span several musical styles including sensibilities inherent in Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Asian music. "Midnight Sun" spotlights the work of Shoji Kameda and Kenny Endo. The taiko drum masters complement each other as they underscore June Kuramoto's lovely koto work and Dan Kuramoto's exotic saxophone lines that exude a mysteriously melodic feeling. Guest keyboardist and labelmate James K. Lloyd of Pieces of a Dream sits in on the catchy tune titled "Lanai." The song includes plenty of spirited accompaniment and passionate lyricism from the Kuramotos. The syncopated closer, "Little Tokyo Underground," is Hiroshima's tip of the hat to the funk-jazz crowd. The funky grooves coupled with the adventurous shades of contemporary jazz adds yet another dimension to this artistic array of musical compositions. ~ Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Midnight Sun	Dan Kuramoto, June Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(5:27)
On the Fence	Kimo Cornwell, Dan Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(4:58)
Lanai	James K. Lloyd	Hiroshima	(4:12)
Red Beans and Rice	Kimo Cornwell	Hiroshima	(3:38)
Sir Charles	Dan Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(4:31)
Hidden Times	Kimo Cornwell, June Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(5:42)
Shades of Honor	Kimo Cornwell, June Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(4:25)
Quan Yin (Goddess of Compassion)	Dan Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(5:13)
Drama	Dan Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(4:32)
Hiro Chill	Dan Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(4:20)
Little Tokyo Underground	Dan Kuramoto	Hiroshima	(4:03)

Credits

Dan Kuramoto (Group Member), Richie Gajate Garcia (Conga), Richie Gajate Garcia (Percussion), Kimo Cornwell (Fender Rhodes), Richie Gajate Garcia (Timbales), Leslie Chew (Mixing), Dan Kuramoto (Synthesizer), James K. Lloyd (Synthesizer), Dan Kuramoto (Sax (Alto)), Dan Kuramoto (Flute), Kimo Cornwell (Producer), Kimo Cornwell (Group Member), Dean Cortez (Bass), Dan Kuramoto (Keyboards), Dan Kuramoto (Shakuhachi), Danny Yamamoto (Drums), Dean Taba (Bass (Acoustic)), Paul Blakemore (Mastering), Kenny Endo (Percussion), June Kuramoto (Producer), Leslie Chew (Guitar), Freeman Wong (Art Direction), Kimo Cornwell (Synthesizer), Leslie Chew (Engineer), Kenny Endo (Vocals), Danny Yamamoto (Group Member), Dan Kuramoto (Sax (Tenor)), Dan Kuramoto (Percussion), Dean Cortez (Group Member), Dan Kuramoto (Flute (Alto)), Kenny Endo (Taiko Drums), June Kuramoto (Koto), Kimo Cornwell (Clavinet), Kimo Cornwell (Piano), Dan Kuramoto (Sax (Soprano)), Martin Walters (Mixing), James K. Lloyd (Keyboards), Mary M. Garcia (?), June Kuramoto (Group Member), Daniel S. Markus (Management), Dave Love (Executive Producer), Dan Kuramoto (Producer)