On Nankuru Naisa, Bob Brozman and Takashi Hirayasu eschew the intimate duets and Okinawan folk songs of their debut, Jin Jin/Firefly, in favor of a larger group of musicians and new songs composed by Takashi himself. Takashi's compositions are grounded in the plaintive melodies and loping rhythms of Okinawa, but selections such as "Koza No Machi (Koza City)," which chugs along to an irresistible swing beat, or "Haha No Uta (Song for Mother)," which has a strong Latin feel thanks to guest artist David Hidalgo, show that Takashi has been listening to, and learning from, different musical styles from around the world. Brozman adds delightful instrumental touches with his Hawaiian steel guitar, ukulele, and charango, and his understated playing helps make the meaning of the songs clear, even if you don't speak Japanese. There have been numerous CDs of "East meets West" fusion recorded in the last few years, but the musicianship and mutual understanding of Takashi Hirayasu and Bob Brozman makes Nankuru Naisa one of the best. --Michael Simmons
Nankuru Naisa,Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman,Riverboat,Asian,China / Japan / Korea,Int'l & World Music,Japan,Japanese,Okinawa,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,United States of America,World Music,Worldbeat
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Nankuru Naisa
Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman Manufacturer: Riverboat ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  Japan
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ASIN: B000056P0A Release Date: 2001-03-27 |
Tracks:
- Jidai No Nagare
- Koza No Machi
- Haha No Uta
- Nankuru Naisa
- Tojo Nite
- Chim Don Don
- Aitaina
- Mensoreyo - Toshin Doi
- Ayagu
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
On Nankuru Naisa, Bob Brozman and Takashi Hirayasu eschew the intimate duets and Okinawan folk songs of their debut, Jin Jin/Firefly, in favor of a larger group of musicians and new songs composed by Takashi himself. Takashi's compositions are grounded in the plaintive melodies and loping rhythms of Okinawa, but selections such as "Koza No Machi (Koza City)," which chugs along to an irresistible swing beat, or "Haha No Uta (Song for Mother)," which has a strong Latin feel thanks to guest artist David Hidalgo, show that Takashi has been listening to, and learning from, different musical styles from around the world. Brozman adds delightful instrumental touches with his Hawaiian steel guitar, ukulele, and charango, and his understated playing helps make the meaning of the songs clear, even if you don't speak Japanese. There have been numerous CDs of "East meets West" fusion recorded in the last few years, but the musicianship and mutual understanding of Takashi Hirayasu and Bob Brozman makes Nankuru Naisa one of the best. --Michael SimmonsCustomer Reviews:
For those of you who loved JinJin.......2004-12-03
I never did think, like so many people, that JinJin was one of the best releases of its year. It wasn't even Brozman's best release of that year, in my opinion. I know many people love it though. If you are truly one of the people who think JinJin is fantastic, there is no reason why you shouldn't buy and love Nankuru Naisa.
My thing with JinJin and this disc is just that I don't like Takashi's vocals. It's not like he can't sing. He actually has a quite impressive degree of vocal control, especially on ballads. It's just that his style or the mood his voice creates is, for me, too syrupy sweet or something. Now you're wondering why I bought this disc if I've known for 4 years now that I don't like alot of JinJin. I don't know. I love Brozman and I always feel like there is potential with anything of which he is a part. I was still curious about this one. I thought I'd like it more than JinJin. I don't, but that's my problem.
To fill you in, this disc is not a duo like JinJin. There is a percussionist, an acoustic bass player, and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) is on 4 tracks.
Tracks 2 and 5 are really the only tunes I like here. #2 is corny, mid-tempo, acoustic, Okinawan lounge-swing that makes me tap my feet. It's a fun one. #5 is a ballad that I do like quite a bit, at least in relation to the rest of the disc. In terms of how I like this disc, I would give it 2 stars, but I'm tailoring this review towards the people who loved JinJin, who will indeed love this disc as well.
What it comes down to is this... if you've not heard Takashi sing, hopefully you have a fast connection and can listen to a few of the samples here. If you don't like what you hear, don't buy this. On the flipside, if you loved JinJin you'll think this is another fine release.
If you have everything else available here but you're still in the mood for some more Brozman, I recommend you head to his website (www.bobbrozman.com) and browse the cds that are only available through his site and at his concerts. Ocean Blues, Rolling Through This World, Live NOW, and Blues Reflex are begging for your undivided attention if you do not already have them. There are others also, but those are my 4 favorites. All 4 of those are fantastic and I'd push them on you way before Nankuru Naisa.
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