Customer Reviews

Another Mind

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I hate to take on George Colligan, a jazz pianist for whom I have the absolute highest respect, and someone who has made some very fine recordings for the Dutch CrissCross label and Spanish Fresh Sounds label. But what's going on in his review of this disc, professional jealousy? Sounds like it to me. And it's perfectly understandable that an artist possessed of true genius who finds himself playing second fiddle to someone who--let's be honest, here--really doesn't understand jazz as Colligan does would react as he does. But that doesn't make it OK.

...Phenomena like Hiromi--players with monster chops and only a sketchy concept of True Jazz--are going to come along. Perhaps they will even be snatched up by major labels while musicians possessing actual genius--musicians like George Colligan--will be relegated to marginal labels like Fresh Sounds...Does that make Hiromi bogus, a one-star artist, as Colligan in his review rates her? The answer is a resounding NO! OK, there's a bit of flash and empty virtuosity in her stuff. Nevertheless, SHE CAN PLAY. Check out her way bloozy number, "Joy." Plus, she's got a generous dollop of funk in her (see "010101"). Do you deny it, George? If she can't play, why would someone like Ahmad Jamal praise her up one side and down the other? Are you saying, George, that Ahmad Jamal, a pianist of the absolute highest standing in the jazz world, has sold out his opinion, that he doesn't really mean what he says when he lavishes praise on Hiromi?

Bottom line: I have listened to this disc numerous times, and I find it to be perfectly creditable. Yes, Hiromi needs seasoning and depth. Yes, she is probably where she is as much from hype and good looks as she is from strictly jazz pianism. And those who find themselves relegated to second-class status while she enjoys jazz ascendancy probably have a right to feel slighted. But you know what? DEAL WITH IT. And don't downgrade someone else's success just because you haven't received your due recompense. That's small minded. And we expect more from our jazz geniuses than that.

After reading the reviews..., it seems clear to me that artists like hiromi who try to change music, to break boundaries or simply to play a little differently from the mainstream have to deal with the ears and minds of an audiance that may or may not be ready for it.
Clearly, Hiromi does not play Jazz in the straight ahead/ swing/ traditional sense of it....But neither does Chick Corea. Does this make Chick a poor piano player? I guess not. The story really is that Hiromi is different. May we like it or not, she is different. Jamal and Anthony Jackson both seem to agree that indeed, she is a phenomenon, and YES, SHE CAN PLAY THE PIANO!!! Whatever her style of music might be called, yes, she really IS astonishing.
Another Mind is the work of a 23 year old prodigee who has so much to offer....I'm alerady looking forward to her 2nd CD!

Having had the chance to go to school with Hiromi and talk to her about her music, I know that she would certainly agree with the (misinformed) one-star review about one thing: she doesn't play "Jazz" with a capital J. Her goal in playing and composing is not to fit into a certain style, but to bridge many. The one thing she strives for is sharing her incredible energy with the listener. Sure the music is based more on arrangement than improvisation. Sure it doesn't contain a noticeable amount of bop influences. But that's not what it's for. It's sad that the system of music labeling we have now puts this squarely in the jazz realm, because this music is for everyone. Don't let anything stop you from getting this album and seeing her live, the pure energy and emotion in her music will take you away from these petty categorizations.

I really have to laugh at some of the negative reviews of Hiromi. Seems like some people just want to put her in a box and say play THIS like THIS. What exactly is the problem with her doing what she's doing? So she might not be a jazz purist, BIG DEAL!! You stuffy types need to get over yourselves already. If she lacks soul or that extra something then give her time, she's still quite young and will only get better. The talent IS there! Does Ahmad Jamal not know a good piano player when he hears one?

If Hiromi wants to add some electronic keys to her sound, let her, it's HER music. I don't think they detract from her sound. There are plenty of artists out there playing pure traditional jazz for the ones who want to walk around with their snobby attitudes. Dennis Chambers is one of the best drummers around and I've heard some people complain that he can't swing. Yeah, and?!?!?!?!

[...]

Okay, if you can't quite make out this CD or this musician the first time you put this on please try and listen again. And you will soon discover someone unique and very enjoyable to listen to.. Yes, it seem at times like getting a shot of espresso first thing in the morning but this is what makes Hiromi so exciting. She is intuiative and loaded with talent. In track #3 she does slow down a little, almost improvisational but oh oh soo alluring. Most of the tracks are 6 to 11 minutes long which gives it that slow cooked goodness to it. I beg you not to dismiss this little gem, give it a couple of days and listen to it again. I bet you'll be hooked. The CD liner notes has a lot of nice, personal obeservation from the musician herself and a brief musical background, she list the musician who inspired her most and modestly thanked her piano teacher for her encouragement to persue jazz, she seemed endearing. I really recommend this first, debut CD, I am sure we'll be hearing more from her.

Hiromi really is a breath of fresh air, and anyone who says her playing is soulless or lacks feeling, or who gives this album less than five stars has no pulse. What I love about her playing is her amazing energy, not to mention the sheer FUN, originality, passion, a superb ear for melody, the list goes on and on... As for the previous reviewer, he's shot himself in the foot with simple-minded silliness. Comparing her playing with others is a waste of time. How do you compare something as original as this? I've listened to the album I don't know how many times (somehow you HAVE to listen - this is definitely not background 'jazz' or 'post-bop noodling' as one reviewer very aptly put it) and there's always something interesting going on. Superb playing from Mitch Cohn, Dave DiCenso and Anthony Jackson. All are more than up for it, too. This is a new direction for jazz piano, and one I'll be following very closely. Hiromi, if you're reading this, KEEP ON GOING FOR IT, girl!!

She is among the best piano players I've ever heard in my life. I like the track titled "Joy". I'm totally immersed on the music. As another Telarc release, the hybrid SACD has a very good quality. Really recommended to be played in 6 channel discrete.

With the arrival of Hiromi Uehara, the definition of "jazz" is even more dilluted than ever. One thing is as clear as the image reflected of a recently washed car-- Another Mind is one hell of a ride.

A supreme sense of foward motion intertwined in the spirit of kinetic passion is present Hiromi's playing on every single track, even the slow ones. Not to mention superhuman chops, and a subtle flair for little changes in repeating structures. Hiromi is both a dream and a nightmare: a dream in the vastness of her musical eclecticism and a nightmare to transcribe.

And the band? It meshes together perfectly, blending the ability of each member into a vast, lush, and imaginative jungle of textures. All of the band members get their shine on the tracks, and absolutely no solo is lackluster. There's a great balance between composition, virtuosity, and catchiness.

If anything, because so many styles are united under the creative spirit of jazz, this album should be in everyone's CD player.

But don't take it from me, give it a listen.

P.S. And hardcore jazz-heads tell me "The Tom and Jerry Show" isn't some of the best solo jazz piano in a very long time!

"Another Mind" is the debut album of a young Japanese lady who will blow your minds away. Do not be mistaken by the low budget, new-age like cover of the CD: Another Mind is an amazing album that trully breaks barriers and boundaries between styles with intelligence and elegance.
This music is not only energetic and entertaining, it really is in my opinion a deeply sophisticated and original artistic vision. Hiromi has a lot to say...And she says it loud. Maybe too loud, disturbingly loud considering the very contrasting reviews posted bellow. Just like any artist who has a strong and personal voice, Hiromi seems to be either trashed or adored.
Hiromi is simply brilliant, and in my view, she already belongs to the Hall of Fame of Jazz Piano legends.

This is one of those albums that has you jumping out of your seat it's so good. The best part is that is was recorded live, NO OVERDUBS! This speaks GREAT lengths of the musicianship involved. The rhythm section pieces are incredibly tight. Dave DiCenso does an awesome job on the kit, and Mitch Cohn is, as always, a master of his instrument. Anthony Jackson also makes an appearance on 3 of the tracks.
The first track, "XYZ", you hear a quick count off and then the song kicks into gear. The next track, "Double Personality" starts off with a wicked fast piano riff, then quietly builds into a full out jam, with really tight ensemble hits & drum fills at the beginning. "Summer Rain" is a bit more laid back that the first two burners, but no less tight, and WAY funkier. "Joy," the first track Anthony Jackson appears on, is a more ballad-like tune, with a rubato piano intro, but after a while Anthony takes a solo and really opens things up with that 6-string bass of his. "010101 (Binary System)" opens with a very odd synth riff, but adds Anthony with a very funky bass line. After a little while Hiromi switches to acoustic piano and plays a little straight-ahead jazz, Anthony walks, DiCenso swings, and then it goes back to the funky synth. After all this craziness, "Truth and Lies" brings things down a notch, with a dark, moody piano line and the return of Mitch Cohn to the bass seat. His fluid fretless work supports Hiromi's powerful chords & add so much to it. Hiromi's solo is extremely delicate, barely there, showing great control over dynamics. "Dancando No Paraiso," the last track Anthony Jackson plays on, is another burner, but in a more straight-ahead postbop style. It eventually breaks down a bit & goes through a pretty bridge/interlude section, then picks right back up again. "Another Mind" brings Mitch Cohn back, and begins with a deep, thundering piano intro, then kicks in with a piano/bass ensemble line. Hiromi fills it up, and it ostinatos from there. "The Tom and Jerry Show," the last track and featuring Hiromi on solo piano, immediately summons images of the cartoon cat & mouse duo chasing each other willy-nillly with it's quick lines and slightly ragtime sound. After about 3 minutes of craziness, she slows it down to a ballad tempo and really shows off. A true showcase of technical ability, Hiromi has a very bright future ahead of her if she continues to create music like this.