Hiroshima Returns To Yoshi’s

Image & Style Magazine

As they approach 40 years into their career, no one’s yet been able to match the signature sound of the Asian-influenced jazz band Hiroshima. Featuring the extraordinary koto virtuoso, June Kuramoto — noted by bassist Stanley Clarke as the world’s greatest — the ensemble seamlessly integrates traditional Japanese instruments into its smooth-as-silk blend of R&B, pop, rock, funk, salsa and world music.

They’ve toured with Miles Davis, had several Grammy nominations, multiple gold records–selling over 4 million worldwide–and continue to tour and produce truly innovative music.

For the Bay area appearance, Hiroshima brings special guest artists Mike Baker, drums; Friday, Oct. 19 & 20 Kevin Richard guest percussionist and Sunday, Oct. 21 from the Bay area Javier Navarrette, guest percussionist. The Yoshis concert featured a brand-new show, including songs from keyboard wiz Kimo Cornwell’s new CD (2018), “Hawaii State of Mind” and June’s “Under the Stars,” and a hip selection of tunes from their 23 CD’s.

June Kuramoto comes from Saitama-ken, Japan and raised in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, June epitomizes America’s evolving art and music culture. Almost by destiny renowned koto master Madame Kazue Kudo, protégé of Japan’s most famous kotoist and composer Michio Miyagi, immigrated to the United States and began teaching koto in June’s family home. Using her grandmother’s koto, June, only six years old, found a ‘connection’ for her life in the instrument and Japanese music.
 
Dan Kuramoto is a contemporary renaissance man, Dan is a Sansei (2nd generation Japanese- American) born in East Los Angeles. At the age of eleven he joined a competition drum and bugle corp and soon played every instrument while shoring the drum line. In college he abandoned music and joined the tennis team while studying law, psychology, playwriting and photography. He graduated college in painting and drawing and then proceeded to teach Asian American Studies at CSULB for 3 years. During this period he returned to music, this time teaching himself sax, flute and shakuhachi. Music became his passion and life’s work.