Album: Beyond Standard /  Artist: Hiromi /  9 tracks / Jazz  / Release Date; June 10th

Wait a second...did I put the right CD in? As my ears perk up, the cheeky retro introduction, complete with scratching and hissing sounds of an old vinyl record, suddenly gives way to a blast of glorious modern sounds. Clever!

From beginning to end, the album captivates you, and creates an incredibly magical experience. Beyond Standard, the latest CD from Hiromi offers exciting, fresh and incredibly smart arrangements of old familiar tunes such as Rogers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm," and Jeff Beck's "Led Boots." Although categorized as jazz, Hiromi's unique musical style has no boundaries and holds elements of classical music, rock and even Latin beats. She herself says, "I...don't have barriers to any type of music," and has drawn inspiration from all she has been exposed to.
 
Hiromi is joined by Tony Grey (bass), Martin Valihora (drums), and Dave "Fuze" Fiuczynski (guitar), all of whom provide top-notch musicianship. There is so much character and personality in the arrangements. When you close your eyes and listen, strong images are evoked from innocent motifs that seamlessly weave in and out. For instance, track five, a Japanese song about encouraging people through hard times, breaks out with a short, brazen piano figure and a vision appears of someone walking down the street and sticking their tongue out in defiance. Surprisingly, "Clair de Lune,” with endless restless notes, still manages to create momentary images of a still and reflecting lake. I found myself in constant bewilderment over how the music could sound so spontaneous, and yet be so expertly crafted together. 
 
The technical displays are astounding, as one hears in solos like track two, "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise,” which possesses an exciting dialogue of dangerous repeated notes between piano and guitar. The arrangement for "Caravan,” is a wildly virtuosic show-piece, which any musician would approach with anxiety.  This ensemble however, is confident and tight as a sports car cornering on rails. Grey's bass playing sounds effortless in its solidity and drive. Valihora's drum solo is amazing in its energy and impossibly fluid timbre. Closing out the CD is Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm,” a piano solo which washes away any doubt you may have had, that Hiromi is a musician of the highest caliber and can rival any artist in any genre.

Recording under the Telarc label since 2003, Beyond Standard is Hiromi's fifth CD. To learn more, visit www.hiromimusic.com or www.telarc.com

(Amanda Chan)

Reviewed June 2008

Vancouver-native, Amanda Chan, has received her Associate of The Royal Conservatory of Music at Toronto diploma, her Bachelor of Music degree at University of British Columbia, and her Master degree in Piano Performance at the University of Southern California. She was awarded the top graduate award for all three degrees. An active performer, she collaborates with many ensembles including Vancouver Piano Ensemble and Tango Paradiso. As well as running a private studio, she has been a lecturer at the University of British Columbia, piano faculty since 2002.

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