Taro Senga

[jazmaan <dmf273@xxxxxxxxx>]

Reading the messages about Big Bones at the San Jose Masterclass got me reminiscing
about Taro Senga the (then) 8 year old prodigy.  He made such an impression on me at
the Masterclass, not just because of his technical prowess, but because he was making
great music - regardless of his age.  There are lots of harp players who can impress me
with their facility on the instrument, but very few who make music that impresses me
independently of the instrument the music is being played on.  Taro's music moved me. I
felt like I was in the presence of someone of the caliber of "Little" Stevie Wonder.

Anyway, I did a Google search and couldn't find anything recent about him.

But I did find some interesting older cites:

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>From the Denver Jazz Festival website:

TOKYO BLUES: Jazz and Blues in Japan director: Craig McTurk     USA/1999/62min 
On its surface, this captivating documentary explains how Japan came to be home to the
world?s most zealous fans of jazz and blues music. It does this by skillfully employing
musical performances, historic photos and film, and Japanese and American musicians who
discuss the popularity of jazz and blues in Japan for over 70 years. But this film also
describes how varied cultures can contribute to the musical development of jazz, thus
taking us into the world of Ethnomusicology. Of special interest is the 8-year old
blues harp sensation,Taro Senga, who, as you will see, completely startles Toots
Theilemanns with his playing. And Theilemanns mind you, is the world?s most respected
harmonica player! 

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>From a Japanese Unisys website:

Q:"Mr. Sanada, I heard you have a harmonica band, aren't you?"
A:"Yes, I have. The name of the band is :The Hummingbird. I formed the band, which is a
trio, with my two friend outside of Unisys four years ago. They are good old guys
waiting for retirement. (laugh)
Q:"How long have you been playing harmonica?"
A:"Excluding the period of music class in the elementary school, it is now 30 years
since I entered to my university harmonica band. After the graduation, however, there
weren't much progress in my technic except I played sometimes at wedding parties of my
friends. After I restarted to play harmonica, I got the 6th prizen in jazz and popular
category in 1995 Yokohama International Harmonica Festival two years ago, although the
trio didn't get any." 
Q:"Wonderfu ! 6th prize in the world ! Any how, there must be various sort of
harmonica, or parts may be?
<snip>
Q:"What is Japan Harmonica Award?"
A:"10 groups or persons who dedicated to the harmonica field in Japan are awarded in a
year. Other awards are Japan harmonica grand award, and Japan harmonica special award.
Mr. Taro Senga who is seven years old and is called a genius harmonica boy got the
Japan harmonica special award this year. Many people must know him because he was
sometimes introduced in Nippon TV. Regretfully saying, he plays better than I." (laugh)

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