Hiromi Uehara

Hiromi Uehara, known professionally as Hiromi, is a highly acclaimed Japanese jazz composer and pianist. Born on March 26, 1979, in Hamamatsu, Japan, she began playing piano at the age of six and was inspired by jazz after hearing the music of Oscar Peterson. Hiromi's style is a fusion of jazz, classical, and rock, characterized by her technical proficiency, energetic performances, and innovative compositions.

She gained international recognition after studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she was mentored by jazz legends like Chick Corea and Ahmad Jamal. Hiromi has released numerous albums, both as a solo artist and with her band, The Trio Project, which includes bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips.

Some of her notable works include albums like "Another Mind" (2003), "Spiral" (2006), and "Voice" (2011). Hiromi is celebrated for her virtuosic playing, emotional depth, and ability to blend genres seamlessly, making her one of the most dynamic and influential figures in contemporary jazz.

 

Hiromi Uehara (Hiromi) began gaining significant recognition in her early 20s, but she became internationally famous around the age of 24 after the release of her debut album, "Another Mind" (2003).

Key Milestones in Her Rise to Fame:

• Age 6 – Started playing piano.

• Age 14 (1993) – Played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Age 17 (1996) – Met Chick Corea, who encouraged her to pursue jazz.

• Age 20 (1999) – Moved to the U.S. to study at Berklee College of Music.

• Age 23 (2002) – Signed with Telarc Records.

• Age 24 (2003) – Released "Another Mind", which brought her international acclaim.

By her mid-20s, she was already performing at major jazz festivals and collaborating with legends like Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, and Akiko Yano. Her explosive technique and genre-blending style quickly made her a standout figure in modern jazz.

 

Hiromi’s Breakthrough Performances & Key Influences

1. Early Breakthrough Performances

Hiromi’s rise to fame was fueled by several electrifying performances that showcased her virtuosity and stage presence:

• 1999 (Age 20) – Berklee College of Music Showcases

  • Her explosive live performances at Berklee caught the attention of Chick Corea and Ahmad Jamal, who became her mentors.

  • She played a legendary duet with Chick Corea at the Tokyo Jazz Festival (2002), which solidified her reputation as a prodigy.

• 2003 (Age 24) – Debut Album Another Mind

  • The album’s lead track, "XYZ", became an instant jazz-fusion classic, blending jazz, rock, and classical in a way that stunned critics.

  • Her live performances of "Kung-Fu World Champion" (from Brain, 2004) went viral in jazz circles due to her insane speed and precision.

• 2005 (Age 26) – Newport Jazz Festival

  • One of her first major U.S. festival appearances, where she stunned audiences with her trio’s high-energy set.

• 2011 (Age 32) – Voice Album & The Trio Project

  • Formed her famous "Trio Project" with bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips, taking her live shows to new heights.

  • Their performance of "Voice" at the Montreux Jazz Festival (2011) became iconic for its emotional depth and technical brilliance.

 

 

2. Major Influences on Hiromi’s Style

Hiromi’s music is a fusion of jazz, classical, rock, and electronic, shaped by these key influences:

• Oscar Peterson – First jazz pianist she heard at age 6, inspiring her to pursue jazz.

• Chick Corea – Became her mentor after seeing her play at age 17; his fusion style deeply impacted her.

• Ahmad Jamal – Taught her the importance of space and dynamics in jazz.

• Keith Jarrett – Influenced her improvisational depth.

• Rock & Prog Bands (Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, King Crimson) – Added aggressive energy to her playing.

• Classical (Bach, Rachmaninoff, Liszt) – Gave her a foundation in technical precision and emotional expression.

 

 

3. What Made Her Stand Out?

• Unmatched Speed & Technique – Her lightning-fast runs and two-handed independence rival legends like Art Tatum.

• Stage Energy – Unlike many jazz pianists, she moves intensely, almost like a rock musician, making her concerts thrilling.

• Genre-Blending – She mixes jazz harmonies with rock rhythms, EDM textures, and classical structures, creating a fresh, modern sound.

 

 

Hiromi’s Legendary Live Performances & Must-Hear Albums

1. Iconic Live Performances (DVDs & Videos to Watch)

???? Hiromi’s Sonicbloom: Live in Concert (2007)

• Band: With David Fiuczynski (guitar), Tony Grey (bass), and Martin Valihora (drums).

• Highlight Tracks:

  • "Time Difference" – A prog-jazz masterpiece with mind-blowing syncopation.

  • "Deep Into the Night" – Starts with delicate piano, then explodes into a fusion frenzy.

• Why Watch? Hiromi’s physical energy is unreal—she attacks the keys like a rock guitarist.

???? Live in Marciac (2010, with The Trio Project)

• Band: Anthony Jackson (bass), Simon Phillips (drums).

• Highlight Tracks:

  • "Voice" – A 10-minute emotional rollercoaster, from haunting melodies to thunderous climaxes.

  • "Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 → Original Jazz Improv" – Proof of her classical/jazz fusion genius.

• Why Watch? The telepathic chemistry between the trio is jaw-dropping.

? Chick Corea & Hiromi Duet – Tokyo Jazz Festival (2007)

• Track: "Summertime" (Gershwin) + Original Improv

• Why Watch? A masterclass in call-and-response piano—Chick and Hiromi trade licks like a musical duel.

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2. Must-Hear Studio Albums

???? Another Mind (2003 – Debut Album)

• Breakout Track: "XYZ" – A jazz-rock whirlwind that announced her as a new force in fusion.

• Hidden Gem: "Dancando No Paraiso" – A Latin-jazz burner with insane rhythmic shifts.

???? Spiral (2006)

• Concept: Each track represents a different spiral (emotional, intellectual, etc.).

• Highlight: "Spiral" – Starts as a classical étude, morphs into prog-jazz chaos.

???? Alive (2014 – Trio Project)

• Live Studio Energy: Recorded in one take to capture raw spontaneity.

• Must-Hear: "Wanderer" – A 9-minute epic with synth-like piano effects.

???? Spectrum (2019 – Solo Piano)

• Hiromi Alone: Proof she doesn’t need a band to mesmerize.

• Standout: "Kaleidoscope" – A dizzying blend of Bach and jazz improvisation.

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3. What Makes These Performances/Albums Special?

• Improvisation: No two live versions of a song are the same.

• Visual Drama: She grimaces, smiles, and attacks the piano like a possessed genius.

• Genre-Defying: One moment she’s playing Baroque lines, the next metal-inspired clusters.

Want a deep dive into a specific track? (e.g., her "The Tom and Jerry Show" live solo, or how she uses prepared piano in "Flashback"?)