Hiroshima, epic Japanese-jazz fusion, TONIGHT at MACC

Certain music digs right into the depths of your bones and lodges there with the familiarity of an ancient recognition.

Rare jewels like this are hard to come by, but are plentiful in the case of an amazing band that is performing at the MACC Friday night at 7 pm.

HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima, a fusion band that has been creating sonic magic for the last 30 years, spearheads their own breathtaking genre, melding mysticism, jazz, funk, pop and world vibes.

The band will be making its final stop on its “Legacy” tour tomorrow night (Friday, November 12) at the MACC theatre. The album, “Legacy” was nominated for a grammy award for “Best Pop Instrumental Album.”

Hiroshima masterfully blends the flavor and ancient melodies of Eastern traditions (specifically Japanese) with modern, Western grooves and jazz musicianship. The amalgamation of styles is unearthly.

The spectrum of Hiroshima’s musical expression is so broad you cannot begin to pigeonhole them. With a career spanning three decades, the band has dipped into every genre, and found success within them all. From R&B, to jazz, to pop, to New Age, every community they touch has embraced them wholeheartedly.

It’s easy to see why. Very nearly trance-inducing, their funk factor is achieved via age-old traditional instruments such as the Taiko drums.

The multitalented musicians range across a broad spectrum, perhaps the most fascinating of which is throat singing.

With sculpted orchestrations as well as improvisation from voices like saxophone, flute, koto, taiko drums, synthesizer (and more!) they create a genius meld of modern innovation and ancient tradition!!

Hiroshima was founded by several of the central members who are still compose its core. These include keyboardist Dan Kuramoto (who also plays the traditional shakuhachi and woodwinds), and June Okida Kuramoto, (one of the world’s best koto players).

Additionally, this tour will include Hawaii’s own Kimo Cornwell on keyboards, Dean Cortez on bass; Shoji Kameda on taiko drums and singer Yvette Nii. World famous saxophone player Michael Paulo will be their special guest.

The sophistication and familiarity of Hiroshima’s timeless grooves is jaw dropping. With impeccable musicianship, passionate energetics, and melodies that you will be humming for days, you will be so glad you came to this show!

You can find samples of Hiroshima’s music for free online at www.myspace.com/hiroshimamusic or you can see live performances if you search for them on Youtube.

Tickets are $25, $40, or $55 VIP with post-show meet-and-greet.

You can buy tickets at the MACC box office, on their website (www.mauiarts.org), or by calling 808-242-7469

* Article lovingly brought to you by Maui musician, Maesyn (www.myspace.com/maesyn)