NEW ON CD

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"Obon" Hiroshima (Heads Up International)

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CD reinvigorates
Hiroshima’s solid sound

For its 25th anniversary, the Asian American jazz band from Southern California celebrates its long career with an overdue all-instrumental album that, at times, reinvigorates their solid sound.

The group sounds particularly good on several pieces that reflect on the past. "Atomic Cafe" and "The Lighthouse" successfully recalls the vibe of the Little Tokyo hangout in the 1970s and the 1950s Hermosa Beach club that was the center of the cool West Coast jazz scene, respectively.

The former is a fine piece of funk, propelled by Dean Cortez's underrated electric bass work and Hawaii-born Kimo Cornwell's turn on the electric piano. Former local residents Dean Taba and Ira Nepus are admirable contributors to the atmospheric ode to the Lighthouse, the only criticism being that, instead of ending on a strong, resolved note, it fades to silence. More please!

A surprising tribute to the fiery Pharoah Sanders has leader Dan Kuramoto approximating the strong style and burry sound of the free-thinking tenor sax man.

And with everything else, Kuramoto's meticulous arrangements always play up the strengths of the veteran band. Even though they're no longer married, he and his former wife, June, remain kindred musical spirits, and the piquant sound of her koto is integral to Hiroshima. The album track "China Latina" was written in honor of the group co-founder and classically trained musician.

Her two highlight pieces include "Kototsu-Han (San Kyoku), which also feature guests Karen Hwa-Chee Han on the bowed string Chinese instrument the er-hu, and part-time Hawaii resident Kenny Endo on the tsutsumi hand drum. "Heritage" closes "Obon" on a reverent note, with fine interplay between her koto, Cornwell's acoustic piano and Kuramoto's flute.