Jazz / Urban, Adult Contemporary, Jazz-Pop, Contemporary Jazz, Crossover Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Alan Meyerson Mixing
Alex Brown Vocals (Background)
Bill Winnett Engineer
Brett Swain Mixing Assistant
Brian Soucy Engineer
Bridgette Bryant Vocals (Background)
Carlos Vega Drums
Charles "Icarus" Johnson Guitar
Dan Kuramoto Multi Instruments, Programming, Drum Programming, Sax (Soprano), Synthesizer, Vocals, Keyboards, Producer, Saxophone, Sax (Tenor), Flute
Danny Yamamoto Drums, Vocals, Taiko Drums, Percussion, Programming, Drum Programming
Dave "the Blade" Knight Engineer
Dean Cortez Vocals, Bass
Dennis Keeley Photography
Dirk Walter Design, Art Direction
Don Murray Mixing
Fred Schreuders Guitar
Hiroshima Main Performer
Jim Gilstrap Vocals (Background)
John Chung Production Coordination
John Paterno Engineer
Johnny Mori Percussion, ?, Vocals, Taiko Drums
June Kuramoto Producer, Koto, Vocals
Kimo Cornwell Programming, Producer, Piano, Organ (Hammond), Vocals, Synthesizer, String Arrangements, Keyboards
Lorna Stovall Logotype
Mike Kloster Mixing Assistant
Mike Piersante Engineer
Mr. Moto Engineer
Richard Landers Mixing Assistant
Richie Gajate Garcia Bata, Percussion
Teri Koide Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Terry Steele Vocals
With L.A., Hiroshima once again sell themselves short artistically. Except for the riveting "Native Son," they play it safe, as usual, and avoid anything challenging or adventurous. An excess of production and shortage of improvisation continues to be a definite problem. Nonetheless, L.A. isn't a terrible album. In fact, this collection of Asian-flavored pop-jazz instrumentals and relaxed r&b/pop vocals is generally pleasant and likable, and has more heart than the type of drivel dominating 1989's East. This CD works well enough as mood music, but the disappointing Hiroshima are capable of more, much more. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
Hiroshima
Active Decades: '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s
Born: 1974 in Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Jazz
Styles: World Fusion, Contemporary Jazz, Crossover Jazz
Hiroshima, a group whose music falls between R&B, pop, world music, and jazz, has long had its own niche. The band integrates traditional Japanese instruments into their musical blend and has generally been both commercial and creative within its genre. Hiroshima's founding members are keyboardist Dan Kuramoto (who also played shakuhachi), June Okida Kuramoto on koto (a key part of the group's sound), Johnny Mori on taiko drums, and Danny Yamamoto on drums, percussion, and taiko. Other additions include keyboardist Kimo Cornwell, bassist Dean Cortez, and singer Teri Koide (who was later succeeded by Kimaya Seward). Some of the musicians were descendants of Japanese Americans held in U.S. detention camps during World War II. Beginning with the band's self-titled 1979 debut, Hiroshima has recorded a series of best-selling albums for Arista, Epic, and Qwest, and although they have evolved over time (moving further away from jazz), they have managed to not only retain but increase their popularity. Since 2000, the band has released a handful of albums including The Bridge in 2003, Spirit of the Season in 2004, Obon in 2005, and Little Tokyo in 2007.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
