While I was researching Harmonica players, with an emphasis on the players who have impacted the instrument the most in the last ten years, one name in particular seemed to set itself apart from the others; Tetsuya "Weeping Willow" Nakamura.
Perhaps best known as the Harmonica player who replaced the legendary "Lee Oskar" in the group "WAR". Tetsuya has been fulfilling that role for 13 years,(93~06) making it his own. Night after night, he continues to deliver virtuoso talent, intoxicating energy and a rare sense of humility to every performance with "WAR" and any project he is involved in.
However, Tetsuya's mastery of the instrument goes beyond his success with "WAR". He is equally at home playing Blues, Country, Latin, Jazz, Japanese Rock, Folk and any other type of music out there!
Born and raised in a small town outside of Tokyo, Japan, as a youngster, Tetsuya developed a fondness for American rock and roll pioneers. By the time he was in the sixth grade, he was playing songs by Carl Perkins and Gene Vincent on the guitar. At 18 he moved to Tokyo and was playing stand up bass in a rock-a-billy band. Playing (and looking like) Elvis and the Beatles (Hamburg style).
It was while playing in Tokyo in groups such as "Run Run Roulettes" and the "Blue Caps", that Tetsuya began playing Harmonica. Listening to the Far East Radio network exposed him to artists like, Little Walter Jacobs, James Cotton and Magic Dick. Tetsuya was soon playing Harp in one of Tokyo's hottest R&B bands, The Driving Wheels".
In 1991 he moved to Los Angeles CA, where he currently resides. Always the consummate professional in a studio situation, Tetsuya's credits include, Snoop Doggy Dog, Beverly Hills 90210, Roy Gaines and WAR.
His Harmonicas have taken him around the world, playing in Russia, Europe, South America and the Caribbean. He has played at the Apollo Theater in NYC, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the Olympics in Atlanta, and the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
Aptly nicknamed "Weeping Willow" by a writer for the Village Voice in the early 80's, you will understand how fitting the name is when you hear him play his unique style of improvising over a variety of rhythms and melodies. Certainly any list of players who have had the most impact on the Harmonica in the last 10 years would have to include the likes of Kim Wilson, Terry Mcmillian and John Popper. But I strongly recommend the addition of Tetsuya "Weeping Willow" Nakamura.
Written by: John Foster - 2002.////
But you know what? I'm with The 44's now ! come down to see us!
a.k.a. Tex Nakamura
*** Here is The Recorded Album Cover's (CD's& DVD's)***
ETHNIC GROOVES, FUNKY STUFF, WATHEVER YOU WANNA CALL IT. A HUGE CALF SKIN BASS DRUM THAT CAN'T LIE, VIRTUOSO GUITARS, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES COMING OUT OF THAT HAMMOND B3 MONSTER. REAL MUSICIANS RAISED ON A STEADY DIET OF CHICAGO BLUES, MEMPHIS ROCKABILLY, STAX SOUL & KINGSTON DUB PLAYING THE KINDA MUSIC WHERE EVERY NOTE COUNTS. FANTASTIC DRUM SOLOS, ABSTRACT MOODS, NASHVILLE GUITAR LICKS, A TOUCH OF BE-BOP. NEW ORLEANS GUMBO, DEEP BASS, BOOM-BOOM-BOOM LOVERS, A SWAMPY BLUESY BACKGROUND, ORGANIC SOUNDS>THE ELECTROROOTS PROJECT by Fabian Jolivet - Featuring Rick Holmstrom, Skip Edwards, Freddy Koella, Deacon Jones, T. Nakamura, etc...
Hey Tex, One of the best memories of my musical career was when you and Sal were visiting Jimmy Stallings in Albuquerque and you guys sat in with my band. You sure made us sound good! Glad you are still rockin' with the 44's. Much love & respect from New Mexico, j.d. P.S. Jimmy says "Hi".
