Hurtling toward Vienna on the German autobahns, I have two passengers. One is Okinawan, Takashi Hirayasu. The other, Bob Brozman, is American. Both are playing Bolivian charangos to pass the time, which makes for an interesting multicultural soundtrack for driving. Something like Indian Ocean rhythms and Okinawan melodies played with a Mexican flourish and a hint of the blues. Sure beats the radio.
In late April, Hirayasu and Brozman embarked on their first tour as a duo to promote their CD "Jin Jin/Firefly." Recorded on the small Okinawan island of Taketomi, where they first met, the magic of that recording has captured the imagination of all who have heard it. In a few months, "Jin Jin" reached No. 2 on the world music charts, and has become the best-selling Okinawan CD in Europe.
By a twist of fate I ended up as their tour manager, driver, roadie, translator, photographer, accountant, CD vendor and stage announcer.