Biography
Hiromi's Sonicbloom is a dynamic jazz fusion group formed in 2006 by acclaimed Japanese pianist and composer Hiromi Uehara. Born in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 1979, Hiromi began piano lessons at age six and was introduced to jazz by her teacher Noriko Hikida at eight. By her early teens, she was performing with major orchestras, including a notable appearance with the Czech Philharmonic at age 14. After a chance meeting and performance with Chick Corea at 17, Hiromi attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she was mentored by jazz legend Ahmad Jamal and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent.
Hiromi's Sonicbloom brought together bassist Tony Grey, drummer Martin Valihora, and guitarist David Fiuczynski, blending jazz, classical, fusion, and rock influences into a high-energy, virtuosic sound. The group released two major albums: 'Time Control' (2007) and 'Beyond Standard' (2008), the latter featuring innovative reinterpretations of jazz and rock standards. Hiromi's Sonicbloom was celebrated for its technical prowess, genre-defying arrangements, and electrifying live performances, earning recognition from leading jazz publications and appearances at major festivals worldwide. The group represents a pivotal chapter in Hiromi's career, expanding her musical language and global reach.
Fun Facts
- Hiromi met Chick Corea by chance in Tokyo at age 17 and was invited to perform with him the next day.
- Before her international jazz career, Hiromi wrote jingles for Japanese companies such as Nissan.
- Hiromi's debut album 'Another Mind' shipped gold in Japan and won Jazz Album of the Year from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
- Hiromi's Sonicbloom is noted for reimagining jazz and rock standards, including works by Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Jeff Beck.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Noriko Hikida - First piano teacher who introduced Hiromi to jazz and encouraged expressive, intuitive playing. (Early piano training and jazz introduction) [1985–early 1990s]
- Ahmad Jamal - Mentor at Berklee College of Music; co-produced Hiromi's debut album. (Another Mind (2003)) [1999–2003]
- Chick Corea - Inspirational figure; invited Hiromi to perform with him at age 17. (Live performance in Tokyo) [1996]
Key Collaborators
- Tony Grey - Bassist and founding member of Hiromi's Sonicbloom. (Time Control, Beyond Standard) [2006–2008]
- Martin Valihora - Drummer and founding member of Hiromi's Sonicbloom. (Time Control, Beyond Standard) [2006–2008]
- David Fiuczynski - Guitarist known for his genre-blending style; founding member of Hiromi's Sonicbloom. (Time Control, Beyond Standard) [2006–2008]
Artists Influenced
- Younger Japanese jazz pianists - Hiromi's innovative approach and international success have inspired a new generation of Japanese jazz artists. (General influence on contemporary jazz scene) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Electrifying Piano | 2025-10-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Time Flies (Jazz Piano)
- My Favorite Things (上原ひろみ 2003-2019)
- Ue Wo Muite Aruko (上原ひろみ 2003-2019)
- I've Got Rhythm (上原ひろみ 2003-2019)
- Time Difference (上原ひろみ 2003-2019)
- Time Out (上原ひろみ 2003-2019)
- Deep Into The Night (上原ひろみ 2003-2019)
- Time Out (Electrifying Piano)
- Caravan (Electrifying Piano)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Hiromi's Sonicbloom has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | 08:48 | Labyrinthfrom Voice | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall | |
| Dec 10, 2025 | 06:34 | Whiteoutfrom Spectrum | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 22:48 | Old Castle, by the river, in the middle of a forestfrom Electrifying Piano | What's Neww/ Duane Williams | |
| Oct 26, 2025 | 23:37 | Caravanfrom Electrifying Piano | What's Neww/ Duane Williams |