“In January 1993 an oil tanker ran aground and broke into three pieces off the southern tip of the Shetland Islands north of Scotland. The entire cargo of 85,000 tons of crude oil spilled into the sea and the island itself was covered in a fine mist of oil. The damage to the wildlife and those reliant upon it and the general impact on the ecosystem was extreme. Seabirds, salmon, sea trout, grey seals, otters and many other species were either killed or poisoned. Four years later another oil spill occurred off the east coast of Japan. These particular tragedies moved me greatly to thoughts of the seeming connection between activities of human beings driven by consumptive and economic needs and large-scale environmental damage. I was overcome with a mixed wave of sadness, grief and helplessness, together with a burning desire to act in some way. I had begun writing the piece entitled “Shetlands Island Shepherd” in 1993, andcompleted it before the Japanese oil spill. I witnessed, and was also injured in the great earthquake in Kobe, Japan. Afterwards I found myself writing the songs “Holy Bright” and “Miranda” and asking myself the question “What is the message in your music?”
The songs that make up this recording are largely inspired by what I saw during the earthquake, as well as world events and other life experiences that stir certain emotions within me. These allow my creative spirit to reveal itself in song. They are songs of hope, love and celebration of life. When people speak of the Rising Sun, they are referring to the flag of the Japanese Naval ensign. I give my own special meaning to the “Rising Sun”: It is a symbol to lift current and future generations to a new creative life. All people's lives are different but God gives the same gift to each. It is revealed in the brightness of the rising sun. Yesterday cannot be today, so hear the message of “Calling Love”. Love life every day.
Junichi T. West
“Samurai Guitarist”
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