Customer Reviews

Obon

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are a Hiroshima fan, this is a must. I have been a fan since their first album in 1979. This CD is soothing yet very upbeat with the Koto sounding "sweet" and exhilirating. The bass on this cd is thumpin'. My fav so far are China Latin and Pharoh. The 3rd cut is absolutely haunting. This will soon be a Hiroshima classic.

25 years of being in the music business and 13 recordings later, Hiroshima is just as talented (if not better) as jazz musicians. Obon is proof of that.

Swiss ming is a good opener. My favorite is China Latina. Its sunny, "cha-cha-cha" instrumental keeps you coming back for more! The awesome taiko thunder in the background of "Obon two-five" gives you the feeling of being at the local Japanese culture festival, all within the comfort of your home.

Some tracks are better than others, but even my least favorites are still nice. Like jazzman98 said, Obon has no vocal tracks since Hiroshima isn't dependent on them anyway (though I still miss former band member Barbara Long's talent for singing).

I hope that Hiroshima will continue to stick around in the music business, but no matter how many recording are in their future, they will *NEVER* outdo their all time instrumental classic "One wish" on their "Another place" CD.

In conclusion, Obon was absolutely worth the wait and definately one of Hiroshima's better CDs (possibly their best?). Hiroshima fans everywhere, this is a must buy!

I am smiling as I write this as this is the CD that Hiroshima has lived to do!! This is an excellent compendium of smooth, mellow jazz and it shows off the group as never before. From the opening song "Swiss Ming" (with it's "Compared-To-What?" groove) to the final song "Heritage", this CD is all jazz!!!

I'm smiling because NONE of these songs are burdend with vocals and needless covers from a band that can truly "do its own thing!"

My hats off to the Dan, June, Kimo, Dean, Danny, et al (and to Dave Love at the Heads Up Label) for keeping the music "real" and following the "muse".

When you buy this CD (and you will), it will stay in your player for a long time. Trust me on this one.....

Reviews of Hiroshima seem to be split between those who like certain vocalists and those who think the pure jazz form of east-west fusion most inspiring without vocals. That is a personal choice. However, for those leaning towards jazz instrumental appreciation, this CD is one of two must-haves for Hiroshima fans (the other being Little Tokyo).

Since their inception, Hiroshima's instrumental section has gradually evolved with faster rhythms, more complex arrangements, and a richer overall sound. Obon and Little Tokyo, which were both produced after the year 2000, represent the pinnacle of Hiroshima's instrumental talent, and is not wasted or hidden behind pop vocals like in some of their CDs. These CDs have an inspiring japanese flavor with modern bass and saxophone mixed with traditional japanese instruments. I can't wait for the next instrumental Hiroshima CD to be released.

I own Hiroshima's Another Place album it is good but I really enjoy the music not the vocals. On Obon that makes it perfect music no distracting vocals, just pure, rich musical sounds. I especially enjoy the songs Obon Two Five that song is a real jam very strong material. China Latina, Mr. Robben the whole album is excellent. Most of all though I like Obon Two Five really good to crank up and enjoy the rich sound new age/Japanese/spiritual kind of sound. I am glad I expanded my Hiroshima music library will buy more releases by this group for sure.

A great sounding and exceptionally well mastered album. Don't take my word for it, though; just listen and let your own ears be the judge!

This is their best.
The best Asian Jazz CD around.
Such great creativity and new sounds.
Only thing missing is the beautiful singing voice of the lead singer for 20 years.

Another one of their best. I am sure that before you buy this treasured classic, you will want the musicians. I will even include to the best of my ability the tracks they play on. (Note: the actual insert doesn't contain the tracks, all the musicians are listed once letting you figure out the tracks they play on. I have listened to this CD so many times I feel as though I have a good idea who plays when & so on. Forgive me for any errors.) MUSICIANS: the band: Dan Kuramoto-tenor (1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10), soprano (2) saxophone, flute (5, 6) shakuhachi [a form of flute (8, 11)], keys 3, 10, saxophone effect pedal (1); June Kuramoto-koto all tracks; Kimo Cornwell, piano (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9-11), keys (2-8), Wurlitzer electric piano solo (4); Dan Yamamoto-drums except 11; Dean Cortez-bass except 10, 11; Shoji Kameda-taiko (1, 3, 5, 7) percussion except 11, voice (5); other "peeps": Ken Endo-percussion (most likely 1, 7 & some other tracks), tsutsumi [ancient Japanese drum (3)]; Daryl "Munyungo" Jackson-percussion (tracks might be similar to those of Kenny), Richie Gajate Garcia-percussion (same story); "DJ T-Rock"-scratching [with record players, audio equipment, that kind of thing (4)]; Karen Hwa-Chee Han-Er-Hu [Chinese form of the violin (3)]; Ira Nepus-trombone (4, 10); Dean Taba-acoustic bass (10); Allen Hinds-electric guitar (4, 7); tracks for Mary Garcia on flan & Princess/Master Noga on "the floor" I couldn't make out. Another note-about Dan's saxophone effect pedal, Kenny's tsutsumi & Shoji's voice: I got the information for those from Hiroshima's website ([...]).
I hope these notes were helpful.

I've been a Hiroshima fan since I first heard them in 2001. They are so jazz / fusion, and at the same time still retain some totally Japanese elements in their music. Witness June's mastery of the koto. I live in Japan and have studied koto, so it is totally wonderful to me to hear it played in a so non-traditional way, but it sounds so rooted in traditional koto music all the same.

Get into these folks - Hiroshima (eponymous album) and Obon are a GREAT way to start on your magical adventure!

I ordered it just in time before BMG (that is one crappy company, by the way) got rid of all of there music. I guess they have to make room for all those Amy Winehouse clones and Keyshia Cole dopplegangers. Anyway, Hiroshima's Obon is a very relaxing, very soothing album. And like Rush, one day I will check out (almost) all of there music.