LOS ANGELES — Jero, the popular American "enka" singer who in 2008 injected new energy into the tradition-bound genre, made his Southern California concert debut at the Aratani/Japan America Theater in Los Angeles last week.
In front of a diverse, sold-out crowd consisting of old and young, Japanese and Americans alike, Jero, 28, aka Jerome Charles White Jr., performed enka classics from his favorite artists as well as his own music, including his 2008 hit "Umiyuki" ("Ocean Snow").
Before his evening show, the Pittsburgh native expressed a desire to truly connect with his American audience. "I hope they get a sense of enka, for those who haven't listened to it before," he said. "I hope they really enjoy the performance and maybe want to listen to more enka. I also hope to gain more fans of my music as well."
With his hip-hop/R&B clothing style juxtaposed with the traditional enka ballad sound, Jero has brought a fresh approach to an old tradition and in many ways revitalized a style of music mostly associated with older generations.
Named best new artist at the 50th Japan Record Awards and having appeared on the celebrated New Year's Eve NHK musical competition "Kohaku Uta Gassen," Jero has found immense popularity in Japan.
He grew up listening to his Japanese grandmother's enka recordings and found that he could really move her when he sang for her.
On March 31, Jero certainly connected with his energetic American audience, including some of its younger members.
"Jero is awesome," said Marcella Flores, 30, of San Bernardino, Calif. "I never liked enka before, but my friend suggested I watch Jero on YouTube. On stage, his voice quality is perfect. It's just beautiful."
