ProJazz.net

Beyond Standard is an album by Hiromi Uehara’s group, Hiromi’s Sonicbloom. Contrasted with her previous albums that featured mostly original compositions, this one is a collection of Jazz standards played in a fusion style.

Reception

Jeff Winbush of All About Jazz noted “This is not just a good album; it’s a fun album. Hal Horowitz of AllMusic added “It’s a classy, impressive set that displays Hiromi’s obvious talents on keyboards, but also her commendable ability to integrate solos into the band format without losing the thread of the original song’s structure. Co-billing her talented Sonicbloom musicians is well earned, since they are nearly as much a part of this album’s success as its star”.

Track listing
Intro: Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise (Hiromi Uehara) (0:28)
Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise (Sigmund Romberg) (7:29)
Clair de Lune (Claude Debussy) (7:25)
Caravan (Duke Ellington / Juan Tizol) (8:49)
Ue Wo Muite Aruko (Hachidai Nakamura) (8:42)
My Favorite Things (Richard Rodgers) (7:48)
Led Boots (Max Middleton) (6:33)
XYG (H. Uehara) (6:32)
I’ve Got Rhythm (George Gershwin) (5:51)
Return Of Kung Fu World Champion (Hiromi Uehara) (10:18) (Japanese Edition Bonus Track)

Personnel
Hiromi Uehara – piano
David Fiuczynski – guitar
Tony Grey – bass
Martin Valihora – drums

_________________

Released: June 10, 2008
Recorded: January 9–12, 2008
Studios: The Great Hall at Allaire Studios, Shokan, New York.
Length: 59:41
Label: Telarc Jazz
Producers: Hiromi Uehara, Michael Bishop