Record Reviews

HIROMI UEHARA ~ VOICE TELARC 32819 ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is the seventh album by the extraordinary Japanese pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, and the first recording with her current trio (called The Trio ProjectFind albums by this artist) with the wonderful veteran American bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and the outstanding British drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of eight original compositions, all by Hiromi, and an interpretation of a Classical piece (Ludwig van BeethovenFind albums by this artist´s piano sonata No. 8, "Pathetique"). During the last decade since Hiromi first "exploded" on the scene, drawing immediate attention, she managed to produce an extensive body of work of outstanding quality, which has very few, if any, parallels. Immensely gifted as a composer and blessed by virtuosic piano ability, in addition to her personal charm, beauty and above all heavenly smile, she is talent incarnate. Her studio albums, live videos and cooperation projects with other musicians, like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist and others are all examples of her versatility and limitless abilities. Hiromi´s output with this particular trio is some of her best, which is not surprising considering the level of experience and talent of her rhythm section. Jackson´s electric bass pulsations are funky and wonderfully fill the space between the piano chords, always exactly on time and in tune, beautifully supportive and inventive at once. Phillips, who is a very "busy" and dynamic drummer, suits her quirky music perfectly, seemingly being all over the drum set as if he was an octopus. The unity, perfect match and obvious musical coherence and almost telepathic mutual understanding turn this trio into a "scary" music making machine. Hiromi is often criticized for being "all over the place", both as a composer and a player, but this kind of critique is completely senseless. She can play faster and more accurately than most, and her music is multi-layered, with melodic lines and funky rhythm vamps co-existing logically and harmonically. Therefore one can suspect that most of any criticism towards her is primarily motivated by envy. This trio can be seen and heard playing live on the "Live In MarciacFind albums with this title" DVD, which was recorded a few months later, performing mostly material from this album. Obviously Hiromi fans need no special arguments to grab this one ASAP, those who are still unfamiliar with her wonderful output should not waste any more time ignoring her, just give her a chance and you won´t regret it. Superb stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ PURSUIT OF RADICAL RHAPSODY TELARC 32835 (Barcode: 888072328358) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is an album by American guitarist / composer / bandleader Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded with his World SinfoniaFind albums by this artist ensemble, which includes Italian accordionist Fausto BeccalossiFind albums by this artist, French guitarist Kevin SeddikiFind albums by this artist, American percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist, Hungarian drummer Peter KaszasFind albums by this artist and Cuban bassist Victor MirandaFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, thirteen of which are original compositions by the leader, one is a standard and one is a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song. Following his early years dedicated to Jazz-Rock Fusion, Di Meola immersed himself completely in the amalgamation of his amazing virtuosity as a guitarist and his rare melody weaving talent with World Music, creating over the years a brilliant collection of Jazz-World Fusion albums, definitely some of the best specimens of the genre. This album offers a wide spectrum of influences, from his natural strong Latin roots, to European and Middle Eastern Folklore, some Classical and other sources, creating a sizzling, beautifully melodic and rhythmically fascinating music, which is both accessible and highly aesthetic. Over the years Di Meola emerged as one of the most consistent American Jazz and Jazz-World Fusion recording artists, with unparalleled Artistic vision. Overall, this is another masterpiece by a Master musician, who never fails to bless his listeners with his music. Brilliantly recorded with superb musicians, all Masters of their instruments, full of great compositions and diverse selection of Folkloristic sources of influence, this is another instant classic.

Updated: 14/04/2023Posted: 14/04/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ MOVE TELARC 33814 ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the 8th album by the extraordinary Japanese pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, and the 2nd recording with her current trio (called The Trio ProjectFind albums by this artist) with the wonderful veteran American bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and the outstanding British drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of nine original compositions, all by Hiromi, three of which are combined into a mini-suite. During the last decade since Hiromi first "exploded" on the scene, drawing immediate attention, she managed to produce an extensive body of work of outstanding quality, which has very few, if any, parallels. Immensely gifted as a composer and blessed by virtuosic piano ability, in addition to her personal charm, beauty and above all heavenly smile, she is talent incarnate. Her studio albums, live videos and cooperation projects with other musicians, like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist and others are all examples of her versatility and limitless abilities. Hiromi´s output with this particular trio is some of her best, which is not surprising considering the level of experience and talent of her rhythm section. Jackson´s electric bass pulsations are funky and wonderfully fill the space between the piano chords, always exactly on time and in tune, beautifully supportive and inventive at once. Phillips, who is a very "busy" and dynamic drummer, suits her quirky music perfectly, seemingly being all over the drum set as if he was an octopus. The unity, perfect match and obvious musical coherence and almost telepathic mutual understanding turn this trio into a "scary" music making machine. Hiromi is often criticized for being "all over the place", both as a composer and a player, but this kind of critique is completely senseless. She can play faster and more accurately than most, and her music is multi-layered, with melodic lines and funky rhythm vamps co-existing logically and harmonically. Therefore one can suspect that most of any criticism towards her is primarily motivated by envy. This trio can be seen and heard playing live on the "Live In MarciacFind albums with this title" DVD, which was recorded a year earlier, performing mostly material from their debut album "VoiceFind albums with this title". Obviously Hiromi fans need no special arguments to grab this one ASAP, those who are still unfamiliar with her wonderful output should not waste any more time ignoring her, just give her a chance and you won´t regret it. Superb stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ LIVE IN MARCIAC TELARC 34112 ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the third DVD by the extraordinary Japanese female pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, and the first outing with her current trio (called The Trio ProjectFind albums by this artist) with the legendary veteran American bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and the outstanding British drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist. The DVD comprises of seven original compositions by Hiromi and the trio´s interpretation of Ludwig van BeethovenFind albums by this artist´s sonata. Five of these pieces are from her seventh album called "VoiceFind albums with this title" (please follow the link to read more about this album), performed here live and in a slightly different order than on the studio album. Two more pieces originate from her debut album and the remaining one was previously unrecorded. Seeing Hiromi on stage, which I was fortunate to experience several times already, clearly reaffirms the impression that Hiromi is in a class of her own and that she is blessed by powers of the magnitude of a force of Nature. The moment she steps on the stage the fragile and modest women turns into a Diva with an irresistible personality and overwhelming performing skills, simply stunning her audiences for the entire duration of the concert. She is a complete pianist, able to play in every style and in every genre with the same ease and elegance, regardless if she plays a Classical piece or a Jazz improvisation or a Rocky riff. Of course a DVD is not exactly being there when this DVD was filmed, but it is as close as those who were not fortunate enough to be there in the flesh will ever get. Enjoy every moment of it!

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ ALIVE TELARC 35307 (Barcode: 888072353077) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the ninth album by the extraordinary Japanese female pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, and the third recording with her current trio (called The Trio ProjectFind albums by this artist) with the legendary veteran American bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and the outstanding British drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of nine original compositions, all by Hiromi. Seeing Hiromi on stage, which I was fortunate to experience once again just a few weeks ago (with drummer Steve SmithFind albums by this artist replacing the otherwise busy Simon Phillips), clearly reaffirms the impression that Hiromi is in a class of her own, blessed by powers like a force of Nature. The moment she steps on the stage the fragile and modest women turns into a Diva with an irresistible personality and overwhelming performing skills, simply stunning her audiences for the entire duration of the concert. She is a complete pianist, able to play in every style and in every genre with the same ease and elegance, regardless if she plays a Classical piece or a Jazz improvisation or a Rocky riff. The Trio Project finds Hiromi supported by two Masters of their trade, which turn it into a mean and lean music machine, which is unstoppable. With this trio Hiromi consistently moves away from the traditional Jazz environment and creates her own niche, which is somewhere in between Fusion, Prog and Vaudeville. Jackson lays a wonderful background sound upon which Hiromi´s improvisations ride securely and confidently. Phillips is right behind her, supporting her every move and emphasizing the rhythmical structures, forcefully but non-aggressively. As a composer Hiromi manages to come up every time with a set of superbly melodic pieces, which manage to sound different from everything she did earlier and yet somehow are consistently familiar, even catchy, from the first time one listens to them. She surely is one of the best song-weavers on the contemporary scene, proving time after time that nice little tunes can be anything but trivial or simplistic. Such a collection of talents in several areas, like composition, performance and showmanship is very rare indeed. With nine albums (and four DVDs) in just a decade Hiromi emerged as one of the most prolific, impressive and talented new arrivals on the world´s music scene, and she absolutely deserves every bit of the admiration and following she enjoys all over the world.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ MOVE – LIVE IN TOKYO TELARC 35561 (Barcode: 888072355613) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the fourth DVD by the extraordinary Japanese female pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, and the second outing with her current trio (called The Trio ProjectFind albums by this artist) with the legendary veteran American bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and the outstanding British drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist. The DVD comprises of nine original compositions, all by Hiromi, which are all from her eighth album called "MoveFind albums with this title" (please follow the link to read more about this album), performed here live and in a slightly different order than on the studio album. Seeing Hiromi on stage, which I was fortunate to experience several times already, clearly reaffirms the impression that Hiromi is in a class of her own and that she is blessed by powers of the magnitude of a force of Nature. The moment she steps on the stage the fragile and modest women turns into a Diva with an irresistible personality and overwhelming performing skills, simply stunning her audiences for the entire duration of the concert. She is a complete pianist, able to play in every style and in every genre with the same ease and elegance, regardless if she plays a Classical piece or a Jazz improvisation or a Rocky riff. Of course a DVD is not exactly being there when this DVD was filmed, but it is as close as those who were not fortunate enough to be there in the flesh will ever get. Enjoy every moment of it!

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ SPARK TELARC 38247 (Barcode: 888072382473) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the 10th studio album by the extraordinary Japanese female pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, and the 4th (and sadly last) recording with her trio (called The Trio ProjectFind albums by this artist) with the legendary veteran American bass guitarist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist and the outstanding British drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of nine original compositions, all by Hiromi. Seeing Hiromi on stage, which I was fortunate to experience many times, clearly reaffirms the impression that Hiromi is in a class of her own, blessed by powers like a force of Nature. The moment she steps on the stage the fragile and modest women turns into a Diva with an irresistible personality and overwhelming performing skills, simply stunning her audiences for the entire duration of the concert. She is a complete pianist, able to play in every style and in every genre with the same ease and elegance, regardless if she plays a Classical piece or a Jazz improvisation or a Rocky riff. The Trio Project finds Hiromi supported by two Masters of their trade, which turn it into a mean and lean music machine, which is unstoppable. With this trio Hiromi consistently moves away from the traditional Jazz environment and creates her own niche, which is somewhere in between Fusion, Prog and Vaudeville. Jackson lays a wonderful background sound upon which Hiromi´s improvisations ride securely and confidently. Phillips is right behind her, supporting her every move and emphasizing the rhythmical structures, forcefully but non-aggressively. As a composer Hiromi manages to come up every time with a set of superbly melodic pieces, which manage to sound different from everything she did earlier and yet somehow are consistently familiar, even catchy, from the first time one listens to them. She surely is one of the best song-weavers on the contemporary scene, proving time after time that nice little tunes can be anything but trivial or simplistic. Such a collection of talents in several areas, like composition, performance and showmanship is very rare indeed. Overall, this is a brilliant example of an extraordinary talent, which over time established Hiromi as one of the leading young Jazz stars in the world. Although some critics tried to classify her as a wunderkind, she proved beyond all doubt that she is the genuine talent in her own class.

Updated: 14/02/2025Posted: 14/02/2025

CD 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

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

AL DI MEOLA ~ THE INFINITE DESIRE TELARC 83433 (Barcode: 089408343322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist’s debut album for the excellent TelarcFind albums on this label label, a move which seemed quite unusual at the time as the label was mostly associated with releases by the old generation of straight-ahead mainstream jazz players. In retrospect Telarc turned out to work extremely well for Di Meola, as the label´s renowned sound quality suits perfectly his delicate music. On the album Di Meola continues and expands the format he’s been following since the late 1980s, which is a crossover between Fusion and World Music influences. As usual, he wrote all the music on the album, which reflects perfectly his constant development as a musician and composer. The innovation on this album is Al’s usage of guitar synthesizer, although he switches between his electric (or in this case electronic) and acoustic guitars quite often. Almost every track on this album features a different lineup, with numerous guest musicians appearing alongside Di Meola (like Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist - piano, Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist - drums, John PatitucciFind albums by this artist - bass and others), which of course makes the album more interesting instrumentally. Although Di Meola’s output is consistently excellent, this is definitely one of his best albums and a most warmly recommended addition to any serious record collection.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ WINTER NIGHTS TELARC 83458 (Barcode: 089408345821) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 This is an album by American guitar hero Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded with Ukrainian bandura player Roman HrynkivFind albums by this artist and Di Meola’s faithful companion Hernan RomeroFind albums by this artist on percussion. The album presents fifteen tracks, most composed by Di Meola, some co-composed with Hrynkiv, some by other composers and finally some traditional Christmas songs. Although usually considered as Di Meola’s “Christmas album”, it has in fact little to do with Christmas songs as such, other than the atmosphere of the music and inclusion of a few Xmas favorites. The music is beautifully melodic and quiet, but stylistically it is soaked with ethnic influences and offers another of Di Meola’s Jazz-World Fusion explorations, only slightly Xmas oriented. The guitar parts are less “busy” than usual and the bandura (Ukrainian plucked-string folk instrument) offers a nice harmony with the acoustic guitar. Overall, this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy De Meola’s relaxed, acoustic guitar performances, splendidly, although minimally accompanied by his cohorts, and full of virtuosic guitar parts, as expected. Perhaps less known than his other albums, this is a pleasant encounter with his unusual talent, more intimate and immediate than usual, and as such most welcome.

Updated: 06/09/2024Posted: 06/09/2024

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ THE GRANDE PASSION TELARC 83481 (Barcode: 089408348129) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 This magnificent album by Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist was his 3rd release on the prestigious TelarcFind albums on this label label. It is certainly one of the highest achievements in his illustrious musical career and a masterpiece of rare beauty. Accompanied by his World Sinfonia group and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Di Meola presents a beautiful suite, which mixes jazz, fusion, Latin, Tango, Middle-Eastern and classical influences together, creating a whole new genre by itself. The music was mostly composed by Di Meola, but he includes three compositions by his Mentor Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist as part of his uninterrupted (since the early 1990s) commitment to pay tribute to his music. The orchestral arrangements are one of the most organic and suitable attempts to combine classical orchestra with a jazz ensemble ever attempted. In short the album is an one hour long uninterrupted musical ecstasy, which should leave nobody cold. This music is beyond genres and is truly suitable for any music lover on this planet. Essential!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ FLESH ON FLESH TELARC 83543 (Barcode: 089408354328) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 Ever since Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist’s early days as a member of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist (with whom he recorded three splendid albums in the mid-1970s: Where Have I Known You BeforeFind albums with this title, No MysteryFind albums with this title and Romantic WarriorFind albums with this title) and then as a solo recording artist since 1976, his output has been consistently excellent. This remarkable career now stretches over 4 decades and Al seems to be going as strong as ever. A master of both the electric and the acoustic guitar, Di Meola refined his style over the years. Finesse and delicacy, replaced the youthful zest and energy, as demonstrated on his early albums by his guitar pyrotechnics. The love of Fusion was expanded and enriched by love of World Music, which presents an infinite source of inspiration. The 1990s saw Di Meola getting involved extensively with World Music, when he formed his group called World Sinfonia (with some of the best musicians from all over the world) and recorded a tribute to the great Argentinean composer Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. In 1998 Di Meola signed with the excellent TelarcFind albums on this label label, famous for it’s superb sound recording quality, and this is his 4th release on that label. As usual the music is a tasty mixture of fiery Fusion and elegant World Music. Di Meola switches between the acoustic and electric guitar according the mood of the music. Also as usual, he includes some distinguished guests to play along with, this time the legendary Cuban keyboards player Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist (who adds some of his own fire to the proceedings) and veteran bass virtuoso Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist, who played with Di Meola on his early Fusion albums. Although Di Meola usually writes all the music on his albums, this time a Chick Corea composition was also included to celebrate the Di Meola / Jackson reunion. All together another triumphant achievement for Al and a superb musical experience. Most warmly recommended.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ ANOTHER MIND TELARC 83558 (Barcode: 089408355820) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 1st album by Japanese pianist Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist, who stormed the jazz world with her dazzling technique. Born 1979 (which means she was only 24 when this album was recorded), she received a full scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, where she met and amazed many famous jazz musicians and eventually accepetd the legendary pianist Ahmed JamalFind albums by this artist as her mentor (Jamal co-produced this album). She wrote all the music and she performs it mostly in a trio setting with an almost demonic energy and amazing stamina. She plays with a speed of a Ferrari and elegance of a Lamborghini, absolutely breathtaking. This is a kind of album you need to follow with an hour of silence just to get your breath back. The famous TelarcFind albums on this label sound quality does not disappoint as well. If you are still thinking about ordering this CD - you are really slow ;)

CD 1 Digipak Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

GERI ALLEN ~ THE LIFE OF A SONG TELARC 83598 (Barcode: 089408359828) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This is one of those Jazz albums that have everything I love to have on a Jazz album: A brilliant female pianist and composer (Geri AllenFind albums by this artist), a divine rhythm section (Dave HollandFind albums by this artist - bass and Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist – drums), a piano trio (my favorite Jazz format) and a superb audiophile sound quality (TelarcFind albums on this label DSD). Add to this the brilliant performances by the musicians, superb compositions, intricate polyrhythmic background and completely original treatment of standards and you have a formula for a perfect Jazz albums that holds surprises and pleasures for repeated listening sessions. The album includes eight Allen originals and three standards. On the last track, which is a long suite, the trio is transformed into a sextet with the addition of three horns. It’s no wander that Geri Allen is considered one of the finest pianist (and musicians in general) on the contemporary scene – this album proves how well deserved this appreciation is. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ BRAIN TELARC 83600 (Barcode: 089408360022) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 2nd album by the amazing Japanese pianist Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist. Hiromi uses the piano trio setting again, which is of course ideal for her astounding technique. She also composed all the music, same as on her outstanding debut. Her virtuosity is apparent form the first seconds the music starts to play and she manages to find new ways to amaze the listener as the album progresses. This dense, complex and yet melodic and well flowing musical barrage is just beyond words. Simply get it and listen...

CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ SPIRAL TELARC 83631 (Barcode: 089408363122) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 3rd album by this award winning and sensational Japanese pianist Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist. Hiromi keeps again to the piano trio format, but expands the horizons of what we know as jazz, by approaching the "orchestral" sound of the trio, especially in the almost 30 minutes long 4 piece suite called "Music for Three-Piece-Orchestra". The entire album consists of her original compositions, which are fascinating and enchanting, as usual. Her virtuoso performance breaks again the know limits of what is considered as humanly possibile on the piano. There are no words to express how good this music is, honestly! Limited edition includes superb 5.1 DTS DVD

CD+DVD 2 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

GERI ALLEN ~ TIMELESS PORTRAITS AND DREAMS TELARC 83645 (Barcode: 089408364525) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Every new release by Geri AllenFind albums by this artist is always a source of joy and this one does not disappoint as well. Allen’s delicate lyricism (often resembling Bill EvansFind albums by this artist) and fantastic technique go hand in hand with her highly developed sense of melody, producing jazz which is both melodic and intellectual. This album is quite different from her previous releases, as in addition to the piano trio format (here with veterans Ron CarterFind albums by this artist – bass and Jimmy CobbFind albums by this artist – drums) Allen uses several guests, including Wallace Roney on trumpet, two vocalist and even a chorus. The reason for the presence of the vocalist becomes apparent when one realizes that Geri re-visits the gospel roots of jazz and brings them up to date as an integral part of her musical landscape. The performances are of course brilliant, as usual in her case, and the sound quality staggering (kudos to TelarcFind albums on this label again). I loved every moment of this and I’m pretty sure every serious jazz connoisseur will join me here. Includes bous CD single

CD 2 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ CONSEQUENCE OF CHAOS TELARC 83649 (Barcode: 089408364921) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 There are quite a few parallels between guitar Masters Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. Each has a very unique and personal style of course, but both alternate between the electric and acoustic version of their instrument and both ventured deeply into wold music influences (Di Meola absorbing Flamenco and Tango and McLaughlin exploring Indian music) during their extensive careers, returning to the Jazz-Rock Fusion (which was their Alma Matter) periodically. And of course they recorded together several times. This album takes Di Meola back to his roots, which are of course his work with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. Returning to his electric guitar and with Chick as guest (playing some fiery solos), the atmosphere is reminiscent of the RTF hay days. All the superb participating musicians (Steve GaddFind albums by this artist – drums, John PatitucciFind albums by this artist – bass, Barry MilesFind albums by this artist – keyboards and others) perform beautifully and the music (written entirely by Di Meola) flows with grace and elegance. Although strong world music influences are still present, the Fusion sound is predominant and unmistakable. It is heartwarming to see that Di Meola manages to produce such a consistently excellent music over the years, for which he deserves praise and respect. The usual TelarcFind albums on this label exquisite sound quality is an additional factor making this a truly excellent album. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA ~ TIME CONTROL TELARC 83655 (Barcode: 089408365522) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 4th album by Japanese keyboards player Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist firmly establishes her position as one of the brightest stars of contemporary jazz. Her amazing compositions and breathtaking virtuosity are constant factors present on all of hers albums so far, which of course makes it really easy to decide if one should get anything she puts her name to. Although deeply rooted in jazz, on this album Hiromi takes a step towards Fusion by expanding her regular trio into a quartet with the addition of superb guitarist David FiuczynskiFind albums by this artist. Being a strong soloist, Fiuczynski adds another dimension to the music and the fiery exchanges between his guitar and Hiromi’s keyboards bring back fond memories of similar exchanges between Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist in Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. But there is plenty of Hiromi playing the acoustic piano here to satisfy the more jazz oriented folks as well, so whichever way you look at this album it’s a gem. Anybody who already owns the previous Hiromi’s album will get this for sure but I urge people who are not familiar with her art to try her out – most of the people who listened to my (wholehearted) recommendations got hooked helplessly. Brilliant!

CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

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 ~ PLACE TO BE TELARC 83695 (Barcode: 089408369520) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the 6th album by the excellent Japanese pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist and her first solo piano recording. Although preceded by the piano duets recorded with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, this album is much more of a personal statement, with eleven of the twelve tunes composed by Hiromi and her very emotional and expressive attitude on this album. Of course by now we all know that her virtuosity is beyond questioning and her contribution to Jazz and Fusion will hopefully grow even more in the years to come. In the meantime let´s enjoy this beautiful piece of music and rise out hats to the new generation of Jazz players, which Hiromi represents with dignity pride. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

HIROMI UEHARA / EDMAR CASTANEDA ~ LIVE IN MONTREAL TELARC 888072037212 (Barcode: 888072037212) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is a live duo album by Japanese pianist / composer Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist and Colombian harpist / composer Edmar CastanedaFind albums by this artist, recorded during the 2017 Montreal Jazz Festival. The album presents nine tracks, including a four-part suite, five of which were composed by Uehara, two by Castaneda and two more are by other composers. Since her arrival on the Jazz scene Hiromi (her stage name) took the world by storm, dazzling fellow musicians and fans by her incredible technique, virtuosity and energy. She is certainly one of the most amazing concert artists, which I have been lucky to witness many times. Now, two decades later, she has already an impressive recording legacy, including several duo recordings, including one with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist. This duo album with harpist Castaneda, which is an amalgam of Jazz and South American Folkloristic elements, is full of energy and brilliant exchanges between the two musicians, and despite its somehow unusual sonic vistas, emphasizes the fact that Jazz knows no stylistic limitations. Castaneda’s harp sounds often more like an expanded guitar and his parts are a perfect companion to Hiromi’s arpeggios and dazzling interplays. This is another example of “Art of the Duo” at it’s very best. Overall, this is a superb live album by two great musicians, who originate from opposite halves of the globe, but manage to create a perfect cooperative effort together. For Hiromi’s many fans worldwide, this is of course a must, but all lovers of somewhat uncommon Jazz should be delighted.

Updated: 26/02/2024Posted: 26/02/2024

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