From sanscript (India)Ullambana (sutra) toUranbon (Japanese translation) That turned into “bon”Japanese gave honorific ”o” in frontMaking it “obon’ Obon is respecting and honoring Ancestors, grandparents, parents, children . .expanding to all life past and present.
Obon is a tribute and reflection. A beautiful and enigmatic aspect of asian culture is the Tao (yin yang). Which observes that while one honors and is filled with reverence and gratitude that we also raise the spirit in celebration.
This, our 13th recording is just that. It is the 25th year of our recording career, the 60th anniversary of the imprisonment of our people during WWII, and a tribute to those musicians, places and events that inspire our band.
Peace, hiroshima
The story behind the music.
1.SWISS MING
When you do theme music for TV shows you write several and the producer picks which they like best. In this case, our brother, and chef extraordinaire, Ming Tsai was doing a new show for PBS, “Simply Ming.” ’Swiss Ming,’ was one of those NOT picked. I wrote it in the style of one of my heroes, Eddie Harris and an album that is one of the band’s favorites, “Swiss Movement,” with Eddie and the great Les McCann. Eddie was one of the first guys to use effects pedals on his tenor. Emulating what he once showed me, I used an octave FX on my sax.
2.CHINA LATINA
When you grow up in East .L.A. you know its all about the mix. The idea of multi-culturalism is just that--NOT a homogenous blend but a vibrant mix. It is one of the principal ingredients in our sound. This song is a celebration of that wonderful diversity.
3.KOTOTSU-HAN
San-kyoku is the ancient Japanese trio form. This song is an Asian-American adaptation of that style, only embracing tsutsumi (ancient Japanese pitched hand drum) played by percussion master Kenny Endo, er-hu (a Chinese string instrument) by master Karen Hwa Chee Han, and our koto master, June.
One of the best things about being Asians in America is that we can redefine music and culture from the East that integrates and celebrates all our heritages.
4.ATOMIC CAFÉ
In Los Angeles’ Japantown in the 70’s and early 80’s, the coolest late nite hang was the Atomic Café—‘best noodles in town’. Open to 3am and hosted by “Atomic Nancy (also one of our first vocalists)” it was what J-Town was all about. This track combines the sounds of that period with the hip scratching of DJ T Rock.
5.OBON TWO-FIVE
This song is about our personal celebration AND appreciation. Last year was our 25th in the recording industry. We have tried to continually be creative, unique, honest and soulful in our quest to be a new voice--both for our community and for new American music. With everyone in the band taking turns, until Shoji turns it out with his taiko and voice, this tune typifies our commitment to our sound.
6.ONE THURSDAY MORNING
June is not only a world-class musician, but a unique and insightful composer (note her solo CD, ‘Spirit and Soul’). One Thursday morning, she woke up and created this beautiful melody, and I had the pleasure of arranging it. It is simple yet intricate, gentle, yet powerful--much like the woman who created it.
7.MR. ROBBEN
In April 2004, we were invited to perform at the North Sea Jazz Festival, in Capetown, South Africa. There we had the opportunity to visit Robben Island a prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive for more than 17 years. The inspiration for this song, composed by Kimo, grew out of that experience, and seeing the deplorable conditions that Mandela and his followers were made to live in. Thankfully, in the end, their sacrifices for such injustice, turned into a positive. And that's the take on Mr. Robben...The positive outcome.
8.PARIS (ICI AVEC MOI)
Paris is the city of lights and love. And of the kinds of love, none is more beautifully profound than that of a mother and daughter.
“Ici avec moi (here with me)” is June’s story of her daughter, going to college in Europe, and their re-uniting in Paris--and of moments that live in the heart.
9.PHAROAH
Inspiration is the power of life. It lifts, motivates and creates dreams and vision. I wrote Pharoah as a joyous tribute to jazz titans, Pharoah Saunders, James Moody (my oni-san and mentor), Charles Lloyd, Gato Barbieri and a special tribute to Miles--artists who’s individuality and uniqueness inspired me to find a voice for myself and our group. And maintain a sense of humor through it all.
10.THE LIGHTHOUSE
The Lighthouse was a west coast jazz landmark for over 30 years. For most of us in the band, it was our first exposure to live jazz and the musicians who pioneered America’s most original (and often sadly ignored) art form. This a tribute to that venue in Hermosa Beach, and the musicians who gave it life.
11.HERITAGE
We could not have had a more appropriate song to close Obon. This elegant quartet piece composed by June and Kimo, echoes the spirit of generations--our legacy and conviction to our past and the promise of generations to come.
