Sharp Three, the trio headed by brothers Goh and Kai Kurosawa and known for their world-influenced contemporary jazz style, will perform Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Showtime is 4 p.m.
Goh Kurosawa is recognized as a dynamic guitar instrumentalist throughout the West Coast and Japan. His musical approach has been described as having a Western knowledge with the Japanese spirit, or in short, a “musical wakonyosai.”
“Through the years, I have been a Japanese living in U.S. and it allows me to be very fluent in both of the cultures,” Kurosawa told The Rafu Shimpo. “The naturalness of our music is reflective of the two countries.”
Brother Kai has built a reputation as one of the leading figures in tapstyle guitar playing, as well as being a master of modern and traditional bass guitars. A virtuoso on the one-of-a-kind, 24-string “Beartrax Big Mama Bear” instrument, which he designed, he is a bit of a kitchen ninja of spicy food and vegetarian delights.
The brothers grew up in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, not far from the areas of northern Japan ravaged by the 2011 earthquake and ensuing tsunami. The pair have been active in efforts to assist residents affected by the disaster and will travel to Japan soon after their San Pedro appearance.
“This concert is last before my brother and I leave for a tour of Japan,” Goh said. “It’s been nice to perform as brothers; we have conflicts, but we work pretty well together. It’s rewarding to have a talented brother.”
Among their original compositions is “Believe,” written shortly after the disaster of March 11, 2011. “I meant it to be a source of big, happy energy for Japan,” Goh explained.
With the Kurosawa Brothers on drums is Chuck van Haecke, who completes the trio with his exceptionally creative tasteful approach to time, space, and silence, as well as his popular dog, Odys. Sharp Three will be joined for their San Pedro date by contemporary dancer Kana Miyamoto, who has been described as being “elegantly tethered to an earthbound sorrow” by the Los Angeles Times, and her solo work has been called gripping and soul-searching.
The Alvas Showroom is located at 1417 W. Eighth St. in San Pedro. Tickets are $15, students $13. Call (800) 403-3447 for tickets and information.