★★★★★
Departure isn't as much a radical departure as it is the next step in Hiroshima's evolution away from smooth jazz mainstay into a tight unit of skilled players making consistently solid music. The band is still built around multi-instrumentalist Dan Kuramoto and June Kuramoto}'s kinetic koto performances. James "Kimo" Cornwell's keyboard is an underrated strength, as is bassist Dean Cortez, and Danny Yamamoto and Shoji Kameda, on drums and taiko respectively...
- www.allaboutjazz.com
2012-03-06
★★★★★
Track Listing: Winds of Change, Turning Point, One Wish, Dada, I've Been Here Before, East, Roomful of Mirrors, Another Place, Save Yourself For Me, Hawaiian Electric, Thousand Cranes...
- www.allaboutjazz.com
2010-08-20
★★★★★
Staying on top as one of contemporary jazz's premier innovators is not always easy, especially in an environment that is constantly evolving and very eclectic. One group in particular has had the luxury and stamina of transcending the boundaries of acceptance, while withstanding the constant rigors of commercial adaptation to an ever-changing market. For more than twenty-five years, Hiroshima has withstood the transition from contemporary jazz innovations to smooth jazz pop instrumentation...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Q: What do you get when you combine the spirit of Christmas with Japanese instrumentation?A: Hiroshima. What else?Who else? Who else but Hiroshima would dare to combine traditional music for a sacred Christian holiday, such as "Little Drummer Boy" or "Silent Night," with instruments like the koto or taiko that are associated with Shinto or Buddhism...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Hiroshima has been around since 1980 and has successfully brought a new sense of jazz to contemporary jazz with its mixture of jazz styles and world music. Hiroshima has pioneered and developed a sound that is uniquely theirs with influences from Asian, Latin American, African American, and more. Their music is imaginative with its intricate jazz motifs.There are eleven songs in this CD collection...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
For more than 25 years, Hiroshima has followed a long-standing tradition of excellence by combining traditional Asian stylized music with R&B and jazz in a contemporary setting. No other group in the history of jazz and R&B music has had the kind of impact that they have had on modern culture. Although the basic nucleus of the group has changed at various times over the years, Hiroshima has been able to endure the endless transformation between smooth and contemporary jazz...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Seven fresh, talented artists provide a rounded combination of instrumentals and vocals, creating an interesting, very listenable CD-- A splendid variety of soulful ballads, pleasant listening and magnificent instrumental interplay.Eternal Phoenix sets the CD off with an Asian appeal reminiscent of the mysterious Orient.Mixing things up, Caravan Of Love, a funky Isley Brothers' tune highlights lead singer Terry Steele, with his silky, sultry voice. Steele has a wide range of tones...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Hiroshima is a fascinating group of highly talented musicians?Asian-American blend, melded with an Afro-California twist, giving them universal appeal. Formed in 1974 by Dan and June Kuramoto, Hiroshima enjoyed a hit on their first single, Roomful of Mirrors, and DaDa,creating a following in Metro DC and Philly. In 1980, they won a Grammy nomination with Odori...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
SPIRIT OF THE SEASON is one of the finest CD collections to date by Hiroshima. It is full of imagination, life, and vigor. This group performs great interpretations of Christmas standards! There are eleven songs on the CD. Among the enjoyable jazz numbers are found "Spirit of the Season," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Little Drummer Boy," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "White Christmas," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and "Silent Night...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08