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A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle by Asians in America

Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin
A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle by Asians in America

A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle of Asians in America, a 1973 Paredon Records release, is widely recognized as the first album of Asian American music. Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, and William “Charlie” Chin deliver their activist message through simply–recorded acoustic guitars and vocals, with the occasional accompaniment of bongos, bass, and di zi, a Chinese flute. Soul, jazz, and blues elements are interwoven in the American folk style of the songs. The artists were also influenced by their solidarity with African American and Latin American social movements; for example, their musical collaboration with Puerto Rican duo Flora y Pepe and exposure to Latino artists while living in New York. The liner notes include a political statement by the musicians, lyrics, and a list of Asian American publications from the era.

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Track Listing

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101
Yellow Pearl Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:02
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102
Wandering Chinaman Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:48
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103
Imperialism is Another Word for Hunger Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:23
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104
Something About Me Today Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:33
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105
Jonathan Jackson Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:19
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106
We are the Children Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 02:54
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201
Warriors of the Rainbow Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 04:11
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202
Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:52
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203
Somos Asiaticos (We are Asians) Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:34
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204
War of the Flea Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:20
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205
Divide and Conquer Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 02:54
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206
Free the Land Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, "Charlie" Chin 03:35