After a few relatively lean years, the Japan Blues & Soul Carnival has landed a big fish again in the person of Solomon Burke, a soul legend of the 1960s who is currently enjoying an incredible late-career renaissance, while serving as an inspiration to everybody from Mick Jagger to Joss Stone.
The three-city, four-date event also represents Burke's first trip to Japan. Perhaps one reason for his tardiness in getting here is his sheer bulk. The 70-year-old self-styled "King of Rock & Soul" is a big man, rumored to weigh in at around 190 kg. He has difficulty walking and prefers to perform on stage from the comfort of a large red velvet throne.
When contacted by The Japan Times, he was in good spirits and full of enthusiasm about the trip east.