I’ve been listening to quite a bit of Japanese jazz lately, and Hiromi is one of my favorites. She’s a pianist who has played both solo and with various band configurations. She’s an energetic performer who explores music genres like classical, post-bop, progressive rock, nu jazz, and jazz fusion.
A virtuoso from a young age, she played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at 14, and was invited to play on stage with Chick Corea when she was 17.
The album, Out There, was her second studio release with the quartet, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder. I think it’s a great experiment in jazz fusion, and Hiromi’s joy from playing music is infectious.
My favorite cut from the album is “Yes! Ramen!!” It’s a rollercoaster of a tribute to one of her favorite meals. It feels almost improvised, but at the same time the band is tight and never strays from the path Hiromi sets out on. It changes pace, mood, and tempo throughout. To me, it capture the hustle and bustle of a huge city like Tokyo.
There is an official video, but my personal favorite version is a from a live set she did for KEXP, a wonderful non-profit radio station based out of the state of Washington.
Please give it a listen – and a watch if you have the time – and let me know what you think of the song in the comments.
RB
Thank you for sharing Hiromi.🥰💖💕💕💕
I didn’t know her.
That sound is very good.
I love it.🙆💝💝💝
Happy weekend, my friend Richard Bist.💐💐💐
Oh, I’m so glad to know you enjoyed her music, Hitomi. She’s so much fun to listen to and I love watching her play.
Best wishes to you, my friend. 🌼
Nice choice, Richard.
Thank you, Pat. 😉
I smile as I hear her incorporate “Japanese” sounds with an electronic keyboard. That’s very modern Japanese of her.
Isn’t it, though? 🙂 Her finger work and the way she jumps from keyboard to piano and back again is amazing.
It’s always been amazing to me that Japan has embraced so much American culture (jazz; rock; baseball; clothing). — this happened despite the fact that we dropped atomic bombs on them.
It is amazing how much of an influence Western culture in general has had in Asia.
I love piano jazz🎉
And you have great taste, my friend! 🎶
😄 thank you. I hope you had a good weekend.
Very different Richard, unusual. I think if I was sitting in bar I would enjoy it.
Also, motivational for house cleaning! 🙂
Haha yes I could see that.