"Hiroshima are not so much a band but an institution nowadays in the USA, they symbolise the classic maxim, 'East Meets West' whereby the music of Asia is fused with the music of North America and Europe but also the fusing of cultures both old and new.
On this new release , the Japanese Americans Dan and June Kuramoto, which form the basis of Hiroshima, continue with their tried and trusted formula of fusing the music of their present and past.
"Little Tokyo", which is named for a well known Asian neighborhood in Southern California, combines Asian, Latin American, African American and more influences into their compositions.
There is an exotic dimension to this CD collection the defies definition. That it is one of Hiroshima's most creative releases to date is definite.
Every performance shines with individuality, whether in solo or in group expression.Guest keyboardist and labelmate James K. Lloyd of Pieces of a Dream joins in on the catchy tune titled "Lanai".
The album offers a cocktail of young and old, east and west, funky tunes and contemporary jazz grooves with a dash of lyricism and the result encapsulates the dedication and reverance of some of today's finest exponents of Japanese and American idioms.
If you haven't heard any of Hiroshima's music yet, this is a good starting point and you will soon be looking for those back catalogue albums to learn more about their unusal musical adventure.
This is most enjoyable album of diversity,it is like a journey, not a destination for a band who have enjoyed more than 30 years of success playing music in a style and mode which is consistent with today's evolving cross cultural themes."
Smooth Jazz CD
Allyson Jenkins | 06/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a smooth soothing jazz style.
A very relaxing blend of music.
Similar sytle to earlier works such as Turning Point, and I Do Remember.
Must have for any Hiroshima fan."
Little Tokyo is a big success!
Joseph Park | Portland, OR | 11/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a fan of Hiroshima for 20 years, collecting their latest CD as soon as they were released. I bought Little Tokyo in the real Tokyo (ironic, isn't it?) and I enjoy it very much. Sooner or later, this CD finds its way out of the plastic case and into my player when I'm at home. Highly recommended!"
Music at its finest! Hiroshima you are great!!
Justice For Humanity | 08/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found this release by Hiroshima to be very musical (as all of their music is) and captivating. As a young 26 year old appreciator of Real music, I think that this release will appeal to people who open their mind and want to relax. My favorite song by Hiroshima is "Island World" which was made years and years ago and is on their "Best of Hiroshima" CD. I found music on this CD that makes me get excited while at the same time, I can just relax and collect my thoughts!! Hiroshima, thank you for such a great and awesome piece of artistic music.
I have got to see one of your concerts!! I plan to do that next time you're near Sacramento!!
Live on Instrumental music!!"
A Great Follow Up to "Obon"
dwood78 | Long Beach, CA USA | 08/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Obon" will be remembered as one of Hiroshima's very best albums, mainly because they got rid of the vocalists & doing cover songs & focus mainly what made them popular; mixing jazz with East Asian & other styles of world music.
Whereas "Obon" was largely Asian favored, "Little Tokyo" takes us around the world & back. From the middle-eastern-sounding "Midnight Sun" to a trip to the Caribbean with "Sir Charles". "Red Beans & Rice" is a tip to New Orleans while "Drama" is a R&B-ish track.
For those who want East Asian favors, it's still present with "Hidden Times" (who would have known that kotoist June Kuramoto had a Black family that she never knew about until recently), "Shades of Honor" (which should have been the disc closer not "Little Tokyo Underground") & the Chinese sounding "Quan Yin" (with the return of erhuist Karen Hwa-Chee Han).
As with "Obon", Hiroshima scores a winner. Fans of the group won't be disappeared."