LOUNGE /
MUSIC
April 26, 2016
Hiromi Uehara Discusses the Boundless Potential of Trio in 'SPARK' | INTERVIEW
Hiromi Uehara The Trio Project feat. Anthony Jackson & Simon Phillips
Highly Anticipated New Album Released
Hiromi Uehara Discusses "SPARK" (Part 1)
Hiromi Uehara's new album "SPARK" has been released. This marks the latest collaboration with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips, following their previous work"ALIVE"This is the fourth album from the trio, formed approximately five years ago. Uehara, who believes there is music only this trio can create, spoke about the new album "SPARK."
Photographs by KOMIYA KokiText by NAGASAKI Yoshitsugu
"SPARK": An Album That Expresses a Story
While Hiromi Uehara needs little introduction, she is undoubtedly one of the most renowned Japanese musicians on the global jazz scene. Her new album, "SPARK," is the latest release from The Trio Project, a collaboration with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips.
"This time, I approached the songwriting with the idea of structuring the entire album to tell a single story."
As she describes, the narrative begins with an impact, then moves into a dreamlike world, and finally returns to reality at the end. This story is expressed throughout the album, creating a work that flows like a grand narrative.
"In today's era where individual tracks can be purchased online, I believe musicians themselves must consider the significance of releasing an album. That's precisely why I wanted to explore the concept of a single album weaving a unified story."
As this is their fourth album as a trio, their synergy is more refined than ever.
"I feel there's a unique sound that only this trio can create. I'm confident that this album captures the growth and achievements from five years of performing together and building our connection."
Joining Uehara in crafting the album were Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar and Simon Phillips on drums. Both are highly sought-after artists, coveted by musicians worldwide.
"Because they have experienced such a wide range of music, not confined to any single genre, there was a constant sense of chemical reaction and fusion between us."
Live performances are essential for this process.
"We refine the songs through live performances, and then move on to recording."
Page02.Live Performances: The Essence of the Trio
Hiromi Uehara The Trio Project feat. Anthony Jackson & Simon Phillips
Highly Anticipated New Album Released
Hiromi Uehara Discusses "Spark" (Part 2)
Live Performances: The Essence of the Trio
"Live performances are crucial for our trio. It's not just about perfecting the songs; it's about discovering how each of us can best express ourselves through our playing in a real-time setting. Before recording this album, we went on tour for about three weeks, solidifying the new material through performance."
The songs, honed through such rigorous live performances, are exceptionally polished.
"During live shows, a sense of unity emerges, and we strive to surprise each other. We bring all those elements into the studio for recording. There, we create a complete work, and then take that album back on tour. Through those live performances, we discover new possibilities."
This indicates that their music is in a constant state of evolution.
"We've created an album that captures what only this trio, after five years of musical adventure together, can achieve."
The dynamic performances on stage and the album, completed as a cohesive story – the charm of Hiromi Uehara and the trio exists in both. Ideally, one should listen to the album in its entirety and then attend a live concert. Experiencing both is surely the way to fully appreciate their artistry.
"SPARK"
Hiromi Uehara The Trio Project
feat. Anthony Jackson & Simon Phillips
Release Date: February 3, 2016 (Wednesday)
Limited Edition SHM-CD + DVD: ¥3,564 (UCCO-9998)
Standard Edition SHM-CD: ¥2,808 (UCCO-1167)
Platinum SHM: ¥3,564 (UCCO-40008)
1. SPARK
2. In a Trance
3. Take Me Away
4. Wonderland
5. Indulgence
6. Dilemma
7. What Will Be, Will Be
8. Wake Up and Dream
9. All's Well
UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN
Hiromi Uehara
http://www.universal-music.co.jp/hiromi-uehara/
Hiromi Uehara
Born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. She began playing piano at age six and simultaneously studied composition. At 17, she performed with Chick Corea for the first time. In 1999, she enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she signed with the renowned jazz label Telarc while still a student. In 2003, she made her global debut with the album "Another Mind." To date, she has released albums such as "Duet," "Place to Be," "Stanley Clarke Band Featuring Hiromi Uehara," "MOVE," and "ALIVE." She has also collaborated extensively with international artists like Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke. In June 2015, she achieved a milestone by completing her 11th consecutive year of performances at the Blue Note in New York, a feat unmatched by any other Japanese artist. Domestically, her 2014 Japan tour attracted over 40,000 attendees. She has also performed live with a diverse range of artists, including DREAMS COME TRUE, Akiko Yano, and Leyona.
Inquiries
Yamaha Music Artists
Tel. 03-6894-0212 (Weekdays 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
http://www.hiromiuehara.com/