Record Reviews

HIROMI UEHARA ~ BEYOND STANDARD TELARC 83686 (Barcode: 089408368622) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 5th album by Japanese keyboardist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, which continues her drift from classical Jazz recordings towards Jazz-Rock Fusion. As the title suggests, Hiromi performs here her stormy interpretations of Jazz standards (only one of her original compositions is included here) with her quartet, which includes David FiuczynskiFind albums by this artist on guitar, Tony GreyFind albums by this artist on bass and Martin ValihoraFind albums by this artist on drums. This album is definitely her most Fusion oriented recording so far, with Hiromi using the synthesizers to extreme and David’s electric guitar wilder than ever. Of course she plays lots of acoustic piano passages as well, but the entire atmosphere of the album is definitely Fusion oriented. The performances are absolutely brilliant, as expected, and most importantly Hiromi’s arrangements succeed in igniting new fire in some of the standards, that have been previously used to death by so many Jazz musicians. She has a brilliant pair of ears and her youthful spirit, combined with extraordinary virtuosity, place her right on top of the new Jazz generation. Of course Jazz purists often criticize the Fusion direction (still 40 years after Fusion was “invented”), accusing her of commercialism and other nonsense. Well, she just released an album of acoustic piano duets with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, spitting in the face of her accusers. Anybody with a pair of clean ears and some musical sensitivity should be able to hear Hiromi’s genius, regardless of what she plays, I certainly do. This is a brilliant Fusion album, full of great music, superb performances and joie de vivre, which are so often missing from contemporary Jazz recordings. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ HIROMI`S SONICBLOOM LIVE IN CONCERT TELARC 73699 (Barcode: 089408369995) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2009 Japanese piano / keyboards virtuoso Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist is by now known worldwide as one of the most talented Jazz musicians of the new generation. Her ability to play classic modern Jazz as well as Jazz-Rock Fusion, both with incredible technical dexterity and artistic flair is completely unique and breathtaking. But as good as her studio albums are (and they are truly excellent), nothing presents Hiromi in a truer light than watching her perform live, and this DVD is the closest thing to the live experience many of her fans will ever get. This DVD was recorded around the time Hiromi was promoting her album "Time ControlFind albums with this title", playing with her quartet, which included guitarist David FiuczynskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Tony GreyFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin ValihoraFind albums by this artist. There is honestly very little I need to add here, except the fact that this is probably some of the greatest music you will ever hear / watch being performed, so don´t even think twice!

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ LIVE IN CONCERT TELARC 73698 (Barcode: 089408369896) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2009 Japanese piano / keyboards virtuoso Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist is by now known worldwide as one of the most talented Jazz musicians of the new generation. Her ability to play classic modern Jazz as well as Jazz-Rock Fusion, both with incredible technical dexterity and artistic flair is completely unique and breathtaking. But as good as her studio albums are (and they are truly excellent), nothing presents Hiromi in a truer light than watching her perform live, and this DVD is the closest thing to the live experience many of her fans will ever get. This DVD was recorded around the time Hiromi was promoting her album "SpiralFind albums with this title", playing with her first trio, which included bassist Tony GreyFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin ValihoraFind albums by this artist. There is honestly very little I need to add here, except the fact that this is probably some of the greatest music you will ever hear / watch being performed, so don´t even think twice!

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend