Cowan, Davis donate 'Colour of Love' to Japan cause

Charity concert slated for Philip Sherlock Centre

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Colour of Love, performed by Carlene Davis, Papa San and Junior Tucker and written by Tommy Cowan, Carlene Davis and Zoe Fox, is not a new song. However, even as it is being utilised as in the current earthquake relief effort in Japan, it is connected to a previous earthquake in that country.

Davis said: "After the January 17, 1995, earthquake devastation of Kobe, we visited Japan in a show of solidarity along with Freddie McGregor, Shinehead and a group of musicians organised by Jamaica's ambassador to Japan at the time, Dr Earl Kerr. We still have vivid memories singing and dancing in the streets of Kobe with Japanese drummers. That trip concluded with a charity concert in Tokoyo. It was also such a sad time for us as we toured the affected areas in Kobe. After leaving Japan, our reflections and the after-effects of that earthquake left an indelible mark and thoughout that summer of 1995 while on a USA concert, tour the song was birthed."

Colour of Love was finished and recorded in 1996, produced by Desi Jones and Glen Browne for Glory Music. Davis said: "During the production, Japan's international acclaimed koto player Maestro Kicho Takano was visiting Jamaica and we were privileged to have him grace us with a koto solo on the track."

On Monday, Cowan and Davis will be at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, UWI, Mona, for a 'Night of Tango, Jazz and Reggae' where, a press release from the concert's organisers said, they will present Colour of Love to the 'Recovery Japan' effort. Cowan said that sales via the Internet and CD distribution will go to towards the relief effort.

Lyrics are appropriate

So although Colour of Love was not written specifically for this occasion, Cowan notes that the lyrics are appropriate, as the song says:

• "It's a great misunderstanding where we are coming from
• How did we get divided when we started out as one ...
• Like the gold of Ethiopia goes from dark to light
• Made by the hands of Jah Jah
• Without day, there is no night
• It's a colour of love that makes a difference in the human race ..."

In addition to the presentation, Davis said that she will be also, performing Colour of Love. A number of Japanese musicians will perform at the concert, among them guitarist Ryoji Yamaguchi and bandone—n player, Yuki Kawanami, who specialises in tango music. Jazz violinist and composer, Yoshie Kajiwara, will also perform with celebrated Jamaican guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith also on the line-up.

Although never released officially, it is not the first time that Colour of Love has been performed for Japanese. Davis said: "Japan's Imperial Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko Akishino made a goodwill visit to Jamaica in May of 1996 and we were honoured to perform for the Prince and Princess at a special event at King's House and a copy of Colour of Love was presented to them."

Once the song was ready, Japan's Imperial Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko Akishino made a goodwill visit to Jamaica in May 1996 and we were honoured to perform for the Prince and Princess at a special event at King's House and a copy of Colour of Love was presented to them.

Cowan's connection with Japan runs deep, as he said: "I did many tours of Japan. I did Reggae Sunsplash there and after that I did a series called Jumpin Splash (with Hiro Isukibo of Gazetta Ent). Some of the artistes on those tours were Maxi Priest, Diana King, Carlene Davis, Shinehead, Junior Tucker and Freddie McGregor. After the World Cup 1998 finals, where Jamaica beat Japan in the group stages, he did a trip to the country with footballers Aaron Lawrence, Ian 'Pepe' Goodison and Theodore Whitmore.

In addition, he also went with the Jamaican bobsled team.

Davis said: "My first two visits to Japan were in 1980 and 1982 to represent Jamaica in the World Popular Song Festival, held at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, organised by the Yamaha Music Foundation."

Touring Japan, Cowan said, left him with the impression that "they are the most professional people you will ever meet. They do their projects on time".

And he laughs as he says "they used to have a problem with us taking the money. We preferred to have them holding it for us, unlike other promoters where you said 'make sure they pay you'".

"We are looking forward to more involvement in assisting Japan whenever and wherever we can," Davis said.