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  Watashi
wa jouzu-ni nihongo ga hanase masen. But I do know a good
musician when I hear one. And Toshi Kubota, a musician from
the Land of the Rising Sun, is a perfect example. His second
English album is off the hook and proves that no matter where
you're from, music can be influential to anyone.
Toshi Kubota has yet to
"break" into the United States but he is a huge star in Japan.
He has already released nine albums and two greatest hits
packages racking up over 11 million in album sales worldwide.
His U.S. debut, Sunshine Moonlight, featured a remake
of Bill Withers' "Just the Two of Us" with former Soul II Soul
member Caron Wheeler. And now Kubota is back with heavy
hitting guest appearances from the best in today's R & B
and hip-hop world.
Kubota wastes no time in
dropping the funk and soul on "Nothing But Your  Love," the album's title track. Not only
does Kubota provide the vocals and background, but he also
produces and plays most of the instruments. The groove doesn't
stop there. The Roots, along with drummer ?uestlove (Ahmir
Thompson), stop by to add their signature Philly vibe on
"Masquerade" and "Till She Comes." Pras, best known as a
member of the Fugees, drops a little Refugee Camp hip-hop on
"Never Turn Back." And soul diva Angie Stone collaborates on
"Someday." Stone also helps out on "Pu Pu" and "Shame," which
also include the talents and production of Raphael Saadiq
(Tony Toni Tone/Lucy Pearl).
There are several other
head-bobbing tracks found throughout the album. Kubota
succeeds on "Sha-Ba-Da-Bu-Doo (Go With The Flow)," "I Just
Can't Get Enough," and the smooth "Gently." The Shizuoka,
Japan native even pays tribute to Zapp on "Body Bounce." Not
bad for someone who started speaking English less than eight
years ago!
Kubota's fascination with
Rick James, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and many
others definitely shows. He has proved that he can hang with
the best of Oaktown, Motown, and Philly. It's time for the
U.S. to give Kubota his due respect. Nothing But Your
Love is genius and refreshing. Arigatou Toshi Kubota!
 Mark
Fisher
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