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In the world of jazz fusion, many bandleaders get caught up in experimentation and forget the most important part of creating music: the composition. Japanese pianist extraordinaire Hiromi Uehara will have none of it. She works on writing songs every day, and the results are beautiful, complex jazz tunes that are cohesive, but also leave room for improvisation here and there. Her fourth album as a leader showcases this perfectly. She took on Dave Fiuczynski to join her band on guitar, and it was a welcome addition to the band; all of the performers have abundant personality, and this trait truly lets the listener feel the universal concept of time presented with the music.
Drummer Martin Valihora is a man of impressive chops, handling the odd meters used on several of the tracks without a problem, even creating rhythmically interesting, groove-oriented patterns to fit them. Bassist Tony Grey is a more laid-back member of the rhythm section, but still provides an energy off of which the leading players can spin angular melodies, striking harmonies, and dazzling solos. And indeed Uehara and Fiuczynski deliver in this department, whether causing the listener to weep with heartrendingly lyrical lines or just shredding (after all, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of showing off).
Don’t get me wrong; there is a reason that Hiromi’s style of music is often called avant-garde. Time Control is certainly a challenge to the ears, and probably not a good introduction to instrumental music. However, if your ears are up to the challenge, the album should prove to be quite a rewarding listen.
tl;dr: It can draw whatever it wants to out of the listener. Emotions, semen, you name it.
Best Songs: "Time Difference", "Time Out", "Deep Into The Night", and "Time Travel"
Best Songs: "Time Difference", "Time Out", "Deep Into The Night", and "Time Travel"
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