Hiromi | Out There Review

By Darnell Jackson

Hiromi has released her second studio offering, featuring the Sonicwonder quartet, further cementing her reputation as one of contemporary jazz’s most daring and dynamic artists. The aptly titled Out There sees the return of bassist Hadrien Feraud, drummer Gene Coye, and trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, a group whose synergy was already compellingly showcased on their 2023 album Sonicwonderland. Recorded at the iconic Power Station at Berklee NYC, the pristine sound quality allows each intricate detail and emotive nuance to shine through clearly.

From the opening track, “XYZ,” Hiromi immediately brings the energy of the ensemble into focus. The composition underscores the prodigious virtuosity and interplay of the ensemble. Melodic and rapid-fire harmonic shifts are brought out by the rhythmic interplay. Hiromi’s solo displays her usual considerable musicianship, and the quartet delivers impressive interaction and a sense of groove. The driving factor here is rhythm, the undeniable technical skill, and the tight chemistry that defines the album and ensemble.

“Yes! Ramen!!” injects a delightful sense of playful inventiveness, reminiscent of Hiromi’s signature spontaneity. This track is a musical adventure of fusion-packed melodies and sounds, blending stylistic quirks with vibrant, rhythmic energy, held together by Gene Coye’s adventurous drumming.

The ensemble changes gears for the emotional expression of “Pendulum,” channeling the ethereal grace of the late Ryuichi Sakamoto. Michelle Willis provides a luminous vocal performance that aligns beautifully with Hiromi’s sensitive piano textures. The poetic lyricism enhances the contemplative and resonant mood, with elegant support from bassist Feraud and tasteful trumpet embellishments by O’Farrill.

The four-part “Out There” suite serves as the conceptual centerpiece. Each segment is stylistically distinct yet cohesively threaded together by thematic exploration. “Takin’ Off” brims with infectious joy and high-spirited interplay, showcasing an exhilarating trumpet performance from O’Farrill. “Strollin'” evokes the cool aesthetic of the mid-1960s electronic jazz scene, blending traditional jazz sensibilities with melodic displacement and shaping. It’s nostalgic yet refreshingly vibrant. “Orion” features Hiromi and Feraud in an impressive exchange of ideas, leading to a contemporary jazz atmosphere. The modern sensibilities through Hiromi’s refined compositional voice allow each player to shine in the spotlight.

“The Quest,” the suite’s concluding piece, evokes echoes of Weather Report’s with its rhythmically animated and harmonically expansive patterns and language. Trumpeter O’Farrill and bassist Feraud shine here. Hiromi’s joyful playing comes with passion as her lines glide across the keys.

The album revisits “Pendulum” in an instrumental, piano-focused reprise. Hiromi’s sophisticated pianism takes center stage, revealing her impeccable interpretive skills, nuanced dynamics, and intricate melodic variations. Her multi-layered performance is inspiring.

The closing piece, “Balloon Pop,” is a celebration of rhythmic precision and interactive musicianship. Feraud’s bass solo shines with his disciplined artistry, complemented beautifully by the interplay from Coye and Hiromi’s compelling agility. O’Farrill adds tasteful touches, culminating in a climactic round of exchanges that encapsulate the group’s dynamic rapport.

Overall, Out There is a compelling and adventurous statement from Hiromi and her bandmates, solidifying their status as some of today’s most innovative and engaging jazz practitioners. Out There is a nine-track album that forms a vibrant exploration of jazz’s contemporary potential.