Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2010

Courtesy of M&I Company

Long before the current music-festival boom got underway, the Japan Blues Carnival was a regular feature of the summer season. Renamed the Japan Blues & Soul Carnival in honor of James Brown a few years back, this year’s 25th edition boasts the first-ever Japan appearance by storied singer Solomon Burke (above). “The Legendary King of Rock & Soul” scored his first No. 1 in 1963 with “Get You Off My Mind,” and these days works with Dylan and Clapton. Along with guitarist Bernard Allison and roots revivalist Corey Harris, Burke will provide an early-summer lesson in elemental rock that festival-goers can take with them to Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic.

“Japan Blues & Soul Carnival 2010”
Two-day fest with Solomon Burke, Bernard Allison and others. May 29, 5:45pm; May 30, 3:30pm, ¥8,000 (each day). Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall. meturl.com/bluessoul