Jamaica And Japan Tango For Charity

Kingston, Jamaica:- Just a few months ago, Japan was victim to a most horrific earthquake tsunami that culminated with a nuclear meltdown, affecting the lives of thousands to this day. It’s as a result of this that the recently launched Recovery Japan Foundation has secured the support of Japanese and Jamaican artistes to host a charity concert entitled Night of Tango, Jazz and Reggae. This will take place on June 20, 2011 at the Philip Sherlock Centre on the University of the West Indies’ campus in Kingston.

“We have been doing a series of activities to raise funds for the victims of the Japan earthquake and this concert is another opportunity for persons to support our cause and give, so that the residents that were affected most can start rebuilding their lives” stated Ai Irisawa, Director of Recovery Japan Foundation.

The public is in for a real treat as the concert will showcase Japanese guitaristRyoji Yamaguchi andbandoneón player, Yuki Kawanami. Kawanami specializes in tango music and has performed throughout Japan, Argentina, United States and Spain and is a member of tango ensembles ‘Chicos de Pampa’ and ‘El Fuelle’. Yamaguchi, son of Japan Ambassador to Jamaica,Hiroshi Yamaguchi, is known for being a more versatile performer and composer in classical, cross-over, and other genres. The musical repertoire of both include work with Ensemble Otodama, Susana Behar Sephardic Music Ensemble, Kiddus I, KIJI, Harmonic Motion, Junko Ohtsu, Coba and Earl Chinna Smith, also billed to perform. Yamaguchi is no stranger to Jamaican soil as he has performed at our very own Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. In April 2011, Yamaguchi and Kawanamiteamed up to create theirfirst album MásAllá del Tango.

Another notable Japanese to perform will be Jazz Violinist and Composer, YoshieKajiwara. One of her compositions became a theme tune for a renowned waterfall, `Jion no Taki` in her native Oita.

The Jamapan concert will also feature Gospel power couple Tommy Cowan and Carlene Davis performing the famous Japanese song “sukiyaki” as well as “the colour of love”single they recently wrote, this will bedonated to Recovery Japan, revenues from which will be sent directly to Japan.

“My wife, Carlene Davis and I are believers in giving where there is a need. The Japanese people have always been good to us, they are kind, courteous and respectful and have been there for us through the ages. This is an opportunity to show our love,” stated Cowan.

Also slated to perform are Jazzy Reggae Blues artiste,Mary Isaacs who quoted”I am elated to share my talents for this humanitarian effort for my Japanese brothers and sisters in Christ and to assist in bringing peace, love and comfort in this very difficult period.”

Inna DeYaadReggae Guitarist Earl Chinna Smith, also billed for the concert added, “When the lights run out and [the] food runs out, all you have left is the music. So it is good that we can use the music to unite us for the cause, and for that purpose.”

With that being said, Corporate Jamaica and individuals are encouraged to not only support this event by joining our hands to tango but for something much more satisfying – joiningour hearts to give – Japan needs us!