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PROJECT J, JUSTICE
Dave Iwataki and the group "Project J, Justice", which consist of Olmeca, Burnt Krispy and Traci Kato- Kiriyama, has just completed a Hip Hop CD. The CD entitled, "Barbed Wire and Hip-Hop" is a Hip-Hop, Rap and Jazz CD and companion booklet of historical photos and text, designed to increase awareness of the injustices the Japanese Americans suffered as a result of wartime hysteria, racism and their incarceration during WWII. Incorporating audio excerpts from the Los Angeles Hearings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC), allows some of the internees stories to be heard in their own words. Excerpts from Dr. Mary Oda and Frank Chuman, among others, were used. With original Rap from Olmeca and Burnt Krispy, and spoken word by Miya Iwataki and Traci Kato-Kiriyama, the history of the Japanese Americans wartime suffering becomes accessible to a new generation of people. The 16-page booklet, written by Miya Iwataki, is a concise but thorough look at the reasons why the Japanese Americans were incarcerated, the many struggles, both legal and personal that were undertaken before these Americans won back their respect symbolized by an apology from two Presidents and a small monetary reparation.
click here for sample tracks.
HIDDEN STARTS - SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS
You probably know about Barry Manilow's start in the "jingle" business. But did you know that Sheryl Crow and Michael Bolton also sang commercials for many years? In fact, many of your favorite artists were performing as Hidden Stars long before they became "SuperStars". That is what this recording project is all about. "Hidden" star power for your enjoyment.The Hidden Stars concept compiles great background singers and players who support the well-known artists. You've enjoyed the music of the big name artists listed on the front of this c
over. Yet, because the album credits di not focus on these magnificent and multi-talented musicians and singers, you could not know how great these back-up artists were until now.
Designed to be enjoyed for many years, this album was produced in a state-of-the-art studio with the finest quality and top-rated technology available today. So sit back and enjoy some of the best Christmas music ever recorded and take the time to find the Hidden Stars that may one day become a SuperStar.
Sincerely,
Joe Romero, Executive Producer
(From the liner notes)Featuring
Vocalists: Lauren Wood, Moqui Lund and Ellis Hall (have toured or recorded with George Benson, David Benoit, and Dave Grusin)
Arranger/keyboards: Dave Iwataki
Trumpets: Wayne Bergeron and Rick Baptist L.A. session aces
Drums: John Ferraro (Larry Carlton, Daivd Benoit, many others)
Guitar: Carl Verheyen (Pink Floyd, Foreigner, many others)
Dave Marotta (Larry Carlton, L.A session ace)
Doug Norwine (Melissa Manchester, L.A session ace)
HARSH CANVAS/ INFINTE SHADES OF GREY
The haunting and vibrant music on this CD was first heard in the soundtracks of two films produced by The Watase Media Arts Center at The Japanese American National Museum. The first film is called "HARSH CANVAS: THE ART & LIFE OF HENRY SUGIMOTO", and the second one, "TOYO MIYATAKE: INFINITE SHADES OF GREY" was screened at the SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, 2002. Both Sugimoto and Miyatake migrated from Japan and became artists in America, and the films detail how their lives and art were profoundly affected by the Japanes American concentration camps during World War ll. The music is an eclectic mix of styles that include jazz, contemporary chamber music, and even a tango! There is also a unique blend of western music combined with Japanese folk and Noh-inspired music in this collection.Guest artists on the CD are: MASAKAZU YOSHIZAWA playing Shakuhachi, Shinobue,Yokobue, and Fue, all Japanese bamboo or wooden flutes. You have heard Masakazu on so many films such as "Jurassic Park" and "Black Rain", to name just a few .
JON CROSSE is an extremely valuable musician to have around. He plays the tenor, alto, and soprano saxes, clarinet, flute and trumpet and can solo well on all of them! You can hear his versatility on clarinet and soprano sax on "Sugimoto End Title."
