HIROMI

Voice

2011-08-19

Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara teams up with seasoned session men Anthony Jackson (bass) and Simon Phillips (drums) for a trio that uses their instruments to "speak" emotions (hence the title of the disc). Hiromi plays with emotion, whether or not the tempo is fast or slow--and before the song is over, that's usually super-charged. The title track opener begins sedately and then picks up locomotive steam. The three musicians work well together, although I do like the one solo piece of the set, "Haze." The closer is ear-catching, too, a jazz take on Beethoven's "Pathetique." Roll over, Ludwig. 08/11 Michael J.

Quick Links:

• Hiromi's homepage
• Hiromi describes the "Voice" project