Although the L.A.-based East-meets-West ensemble {|Hiroshima|} has achieved incredible success over the years – including Emmy and Grammy nominations and over three million units sold – it’s one of the few bands that has always dared to defy easy commercial categorization. Aside from incorporating native Japanese elements like the koto (played masterfully by {|June Kuramoto|}) and booming taiko drum into the mix, Hiroshima has always embraced a subtle spiritual side. On the masterful, multi-faceted Obon, a release celebrating 25 years since its 1979 self-titled debut, these elements are more prominent than ever. Originating in Buddhist legend, the concept of Obon is a celebration of past and present, honoring ancestors and family and giving thanks for past blessings while looking boldly forward. The collection is a tribute to the musicians, places, and events that have inspired the band – which, for the first time in its career, is working without a vocalist. Among these is {|Eddie Harris|}, a chief influence on band founder, saxman, and producer Dan Kuramoto – who pays somewhat tonge-in-cheek homage to the legendary jazzman on the hypnotic opening number, Swiss Ming, by merging his horn with a pitch shifter that lowers the register of the notes. Keyboardist {|Kimo Cornwell|} gets a chops workout on this track and other ultra-jazzy gems like The Lighthouse, a tribute to a legendary Los Angeles area jazz club. Atomic Café, which blends R&B, jazz, koto, and cool DJ scratches, was a place for the best noodles in town in L.A.’s Japantown. Pharoah acknowledges the legendary {|Mr. Sanders|} and other jazz legends who shaped Kuramoto’s visions early on. Fans seeking purer Asian delights can turn to Kototsu-han (San Kyoku), a dreamy number that blends the koto with the vocal-like wail of the Chinese er-hu. Band newcomer Shoji Kameda is aces on the taiko, adding an ominous percussive energy to Obon Two-Five, a richly textured track that captures all the best elements that have made Hiroshima so fascinating for so many years.
