Though some of Hiroshima's later albums are hit or miss, the band stands out from the smooth-jazz pack because of the substance of its music. Inspired by their favorite African American and Latino soul and jazz acts, the Kuramotos and Mori, who attended California State University at Long Beach together, started Hiroshima because they wanted to give Asian Americans a voice in the soul and jazz scene. Written as a response to the riots and racial tensions that divided blacks, whites and Koreans in their hometown in 1992, L.A. marked a return to the band's SoCal soul roots. Hiroshima performs at the San Jose Jazz Festival on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 6pm, on the Southwest Airlines Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose.
Admission is free.
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