For some strange reason, it’s easy to take a talent like Hiromi for granted. She’s got chops that rival Art Tatums, she is a gifted composer, and she puts together bands that have a link between jazz’s tradition and future. This latest release by her Trio Project is a perfect example of what this diminutive dynamo is capable of doing. Teamed up with Anthony Jackson/b and Simon Phillips, she can deliver astoundingly dynamic and complex material that rivals progressive rock a la King Crimson, with autobahn like driving on “Move” and “11:49” pm that displays jaw dropping technique without the lost of clarity. She and her band can also display a bit of humor, as on the electric and robotic “Endeavor,” which has cute electronic effects. Her intricate but delicate touch is resounding on “Brand New Day,” and “Rainmaker” displays Lisztian control of the ivories. A three part “Suite Escapism” has moods changing from edgy hard to impressionistic lullabies and back, with all of it making a holistic success.
The mix of energy, vision, tact and humor is a pleasure from a lady that continues to grow as an artist, and needs to be appreciated by a larger audience.
Telarc Records