Hiromi’s latest release has her back with her teammates of the past few years, Simon Phillips/dr and Paul Jackson/b. With Hiromi being a fan of fusion bands like King Crimson, it’s a natural that Simon (who’s been with David Gilmour and Jack Bruce) and Jackson (of Chick Corea fame) would feel so comfortable here. The music here all have passionate and fiery interplay, and even the segues have segues, able to mix both construction and freedom seamlessly.
Lyrical and clever melodies such as “Spark” may start with a dainty piano intro, but eventually the bit gets pulled down and everyone starts bearing into the gallop. Rapid fire drums and piano on “In A Trance” have rapid fire notes ricocheting into a climactic chase scene, where even a blues jazz piece such as “Take Me Away” or the mellower “Indulgence eventually build up into ten digits of simultaneous power chords. Phillips’ talking drums keeps things exotic on “Wonderland” and Jackson’s incessant groove digs a rivulet into “Dilemma.”
Asian synth sounds add flavor to the funky jaunt of “What Will Be, Will Be” and Type A personalities close the album on “All’s Well” right after Hiromi glides through an impressionistic solo piece filled with p assion and pathos on “Wake Up and Dream.” For a lady of unfathomable chops, she’s been able to create her own identifiable sound. Not an easy thing to do in these homogenized times.
Telarc Records