SAN DIEGO — Hiroshima kicks off its 2012 summer concert season on Sunday, July 15, at The Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond resort.
“Summer Concerts at The Grand presented by Audi/ Land Rover/Porsche of San Diego” — its inaugural summer concert series — brings an exciting line-up of world-class talent to the resort. The series is produced by Wendy Jayne Productions Inc. The concert is at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m.
Event producer and promoter Jim Fitzgerald of Wendy Jayne Productions Inc. says it’s an honor to have Hiroshima open the concert series. “They are the perfect choice. Vibrant, eclectic and truly original, the 2010 Grammy-nominated Hiroshima creates a musical world all its own. The group celebrates more than 30 years in the industry. This is a phenomenal venue that perfectly suits the talented and renowned musicians in our line-up, including the dynamic Keiko Matsui among others.”
He adds, “It is exceptional to be partnering with the esteemed leaders of The Grand Del Mar.”
The concert will feature songs from Hiroshima’s latest CD, “Departure,” the follow up to the Grammy-nominated “Legacy.” Featuring the sound of June Kuramoto’s koto, the thunder of taiko by Danny Yamamoto and Shoji Kameda, and the interwoven fabrics of jazz, Japan, salsa and more, “Departure” journeys to the heart of their musical soul. Hiroshima favorites will complete the program.
Dan Kuramoto, co-founder and leader of the band, stated, “After more than 30 years in the recording industry, and almost 4 million records sold, we’ve decided to leave record companies behind and venture on our own.
“It is a new beginning for us in many ways. ‘Departure’ is a journey of nine songs — all originals with just one guest artist, the incredible harmonica player Tetsuya ‘Tex’ Nakamura. The opening track, ‘Have You Ever Wondered,’ is a luscious, textured piece featuring Nakamura and June’s shimmering koto.
“‘Koto Cruise’ is the second song and features a funky groove and a burning koto solo. ‘Blues for Sendai,’ a soulful jazz blues piece, is dedicated to the spirit of the Japanese people who are rebuilding after the tragedies of March 2011.
“The rockin’ blues in ‘Smiling Jack’ recalls the music of the ’80s and features the roaring B3 organ-playing of Kimo Cornwell. The sensual soul of ‘See You Again’ is a tribute to our friend and mentor James Moody. If you listen closely, you’ll hear ‘Moody’s Mood for Love.’
“After many years of requests, we offer our first live taiko recording, ‘Yamasong Duet,’ capturing the voice and the thunder of Shoji’s taiko and Danny’s fierce percussion interplay.
“The power and spirit of ‘First Nation,’ a composition by the Hawaiian Kimo Cornwell, is a song embracing many native cultures — and some serious jazz.
“‘Departure’ ends with two new visitations to our most popular songs, ‘Thousand Cranes’ and a soulful version of ‘One Wish,’ done as an acoustic trio.
“Also on our website at www.hiroshimamusic.com, we ask you to join the Hiroshima community. By signing up and giving us your email addresses, we will provide information about the band, special discounts, free music, and an interactive network of arts, culture and lifestyles.
“As we actively rebuild our website, check for stories behind the songs. Also please click on Facebook (www.facebook.com/hiroshimamusic) for more info.”
“Departure” is available for immediate digital downloads or physical CD orders at the band’s website, iTunes, Amazon and CDbaby.
Concert tickets: General seating, $65; VIP seating, $95. Purchase online at www.GrandSummerConcerts.com or call (800) 820-9884. To book The Grand Del Mar’s Sunday Summer Package, visit www.TheGrandDelMar.com or call (877) 814-8472 for reservations and information.
Hiroshima’s Concert Schedule
Sunday, July 15, 7 p.m.: Summer Concerts at the Grand (lobby lounge after party immediately follows show). The Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar, San Diego. www.grandsummerconcerts.com
Friday, July 20, 8 p.m.: 21st Annual Summer Concert Series, The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. http://www.hyattconcerts.com/
Saturday, July 28, 6 p.m. concert (with 5 p.m. VIP CD reception) and 8:30 p.m. concert, Liliu Theater, Hawaiian Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. Tickets at www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=480492, www.apaulomusic.com
Sunday and Monday, July 29-30, special event with Dan, June, and Kimo at Manta Restaurant, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii (Big Island). Ticket details forthcoming.
Friday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Road, Austin, Texas. www.oneworldtheatre.org
Sunday, Aug. 5, 22nd Houston International Jazz Festival, Verizon Wireless Theater, 520 Texas Ave., Houston, Texas. http://jazzeducation.org
Friday to Sunday, Aug. 17-19, Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m., Sunday at 6 and 8 p.m., Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. (510) 238-9200, http://yoshis.inticketing.com/events
Dates are subject to change. Confirm with venue or www.hiroshimamusic.com.