Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Jin Jin / Firefly (2000)

Recorded on the Okinawan island of Taketomi, Jin Jin/Firefly documents a rare encounter between Okinawan singer/sanshin player Takashi Hirayasu and acoustic guitarist Bob Brozman. Forming a duo, the two prove to be highly compatible -- and when you think about it, they're a logical combination. Hirayasu's foundation is Okinawan music, which contains both Japanese and Polynesian elements; Brozman, meanwhile, is considered a master of the Hawaiian guitar and is no stranger to the sounds of the Pacific Islands. So it isn't hard for them to find common ground on "Akata Sun Dunchi," "Chinnuku Jushi," and other traditional Okinawan children's songs that Hirayasu selected. What the duo does with the songs isn't entirely traditional, however. Brozman brings plenty of blues, rock, and Hawaiian influence to the session, and that works for Hirayasu because the Okinawa native is hip to blues and rock himself. Hirayasu and Brozman both have a lot of charisma, and that proves to be mutually beneficial on this excellent CD.

1.01 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Akata Sun Dunchi (4:25)
1.02 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Uruku Tumi Gushiku (Mimura Bushi) (2:57)
1.03 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Ufumura Udun (Mimichri Boji) (3:52)
1.04 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - BeBe Nu Kusakaiga (3:20)
1.05 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Hana Nu Kajimaya (2:30)
1.06 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Jin Jin (3:38)
1.07 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Tinsagu Nu Hana (5:46)
1.08 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Tsuki Nu Kaisha (3:16)
1.09 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Umaku Kamade (Yanchiya Bozu Kamade) (3:52)
1.10 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Chinnuku Jushi (4:20)
1.11 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Chon Chon Kijimuna (3:53)
1.12 - Takashi Hirayasu & Bob Brozman - Taketomi Sunset (4:02)