Hiromi - Spiral (2006/2021) Hi Res

She has an instantly recognizable style, featuring a dense flurry of notes and chords that recalls Art Tatum—who, not surprisingly, is one of her idols.

Japanese keyboard sensation Hiromi Uehara is a recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, but there’s already a great deal that she could teach those in the music world whose ears and minds remain open. Spiral offers a glimpse into the highly creative inner world of a gifted young pianist/composer whose roots are in jazz but whose potential is unlimited. Mentored by giants like Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal and Chick Corea, Hiromi turns tradition on its head and plunges into a universe of new ideas where others of her generation have barely scratched the surface.

Committed to making her music evolve, Hiromi offers eight original, category-bashing compositions in a trio format that fuses elements of jazz, pop, classical and avant-garde into a deceptively intense listening experience. “With this album, I have a really strong vision which I call ‘three-piece orchestral music,’” Hiromi says. “Exploring what I could do with the trio, I decided to focus on this setting.”

Self-assured beyond her years, Spiral is another brilliant showcase for the pianist’s imaginative compositions and thunderous playing. Produced by Hiromi and Michael Bishop, this third Telarc release was recorded and mixed at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, in May and June 2005. The album includes fellow Berklee-bred musicians Tony Grey on bass and Martin Valihora on drums.