Hiromi Uehara - Spark (2016) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/96kHz]

All great human passions whether romantic, creative, inventive, or transformative begin with a single spark. On her tenth album as a leader, Japanese pianist/composer Hiromi traces the path of the flame ignited by that spark as it consumes and inspires. Over the course of nine expressively charged songs, the listener is carried away on an impassioned spiritual journey that might tell the story of a personal discovery, a love affair, or the creation of the music itself. Spark showcases the always thrilling sound of Hiromi's Trio Project with her most narratively sweeping and emotionally overflowing set of music to date. The pianist finds her own spark in her interaction with her triomates of the last five years, contrabass guitarist Anthony Jackson (Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Chick Corea, The O'Jays) and drummer Simon Phillips (The Who, David Gilmour, Judas Priest, Toto, Jack Bruce).

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Hiromi Uehara - Spark (2016) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/96kHz]

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Japanese pianist and composer Hiromi is one of the more unpredictable, captivating talents in modern jazz. Her Trio Project with drummer Simon Phillips and contrabass guitarist Anthony Jackson, now into its sixth year, has matured into one of the most fluidly inventive on the scene. Spark, recorded over four days in October of 2015, is the group's fourth offering. Like its predecessors, it has a loosely connected thematic scheme. In this case, it's the spark of inspiration that leads to creation, risk-taking, spiritual connection, and development via an album-length dream sequence. The established hallmarks of the trio are abundant – tight, twisting, turning, sometimes incendiary dialogue in constantly evolving themes and motifs that embrace everything from post-bop to proggy rockisms to funky soul-jazz. The title track is introduced by an inquisitive, nocturnal piano figure before a wash of electric keyboards enters underneath, and the band is off, playing one theme after another in widening circles. Hiromi's invention in the lower and middle registers resonates with Jackson's roiling bass patterns, Phillips' syncopated breaks, and insistent fills that never lose the pocket. "Take Me Away" has a trance-like repetition in its intro. It expands its textural foundation with Jackson playing guitar-esque fills and Phillips riding the snare and cymbal as agents of hypnosis. A sweeping refrain, followed by a knotty bridge that leads to a crescendo, introduces a souled-out groove that recalls Ahmad Jamal. The trio swings on a vamp played by Jackson. The percussive pulse of "Wonderland" gives way to something approaching a classical fugue before opening wide into expansive post-bop then folds back again before Hiromi takes her solo. It's rife with emotive arpeggios and fluid harmonic investigation. The rhythm section swings hard, adding dimension via extension and extrapolation. Phillips uses octobans – high-tuned tom-toms – to create a near theatrical fantasia that the pianist answers with high-wire lyricism and choppy chords. Drama and dynamic are in constant conversation on "Dilemma." Pulse, speed, and force are balanced by moments of near sublime inquiry as the lines between jazz, prog, and classical crossover vanish. The uptown electric jazz funk of "What Will Be, Will Be" feels light in contrast. A careful listen reveals the influences of Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock in its finger-popping groove consciousness. Closer "All's Well" is based on a swinging midtempo blues. It pushes boundaries on all sides yet never sacrifices feel. Spark integrates each element in this band's arsenal to create a whole that is provocative and seamless. Hiromi's band challenges modern music norms with authority. Their spirit of restless creativity is expressed with as much warmth and humor as technical acumen. The tunes here, though rigorous musical workouts, all reach the level of song – not an accomplishment most piano trios can claim.

Tracklist:

01 - Spark
02 - In A Trance
03 - Take Me Away
04 - Wonderland
05 - Indulgence
06 - Dilemma
07 - What Will Be, Will Be
08 - Wake Up And Dream
09 - All's Well

Produced by Hiromi Uehara & Michael Bishop.
Recorded on October 9-12, 2015 by Michael Bishop at Power Station New England Studio A, Waterford, Connecticut.
Mixed & Mastered on October 15-17, 2015 by Michael Bishop at Five/Four Productions Ltd., Cleveland, Ohio.

Musicians:
Hiromi - piano, keys
Anthony Jackson - contrabass guitar
Simon Phillips - drums


Thanks to the Original customer!