Suki is a newsletter - The Japan Foundation, Manila

FEATURE3HIROMI UEHARAThe Gift of Jazz ConcertText and Photo by Edgardo E AvenirDazzling! Just one of many descriptive words that can bestdescribe Ms. Hiromi Uehara’s solo performance in the most stellarof the year-end shows, the “Gift of Jazz” Concert. It was truly a mostappropriate icing for the jazz cake that was 2010.Presented by the Philippine International Jazz and ArtsJazzfest (P.I.Jazzfest) and the Japan Foundation with the supportof Yamaha, Sofitel Philippines, Delta and SATB, the “Gift of Jazz”Concert was conceived as a token of gratitude for its loyal jazzfollowers through its five jazz festival years and also as a refreshingrelief for everyone from the Christmas frenzy. Ms. Hiromi Uehara,native of Shizuoka, Japan is renowned in the world’s wider jazzexpanse as one of the contemporary female jazz masters alongsideDiana Krall and Patrice Rushen to name a few. But she was off theradar of the very narrow scope of the local jazz scene. It was uponwatching Ms. Hiromi’s highly acclaimed performance at The TokyoJazz Festival that P.I.Jazzfest founder, Ms. Sandra Lim Viray decidedto bring Ms. Hiromi and her band Sonic Bloom to the Philippines forP.I. Jazzfest 2009. Everything else is history. December 17: Hiromihas returned, alone, to rekindle a musical love affair with Manila.Having been warmed up for the show by an outdoor treat ofmusic courtesy of Mr. Aisaku Yokogawa (who also emceed for theconcert) and Rolly Duclayan, the crowd entered the big tent inexcited anticipation. As it turned out, their excitement was amplyrewarded. The enthusiastic cheer of the audience as Ms. Hiromicame onstage quickly hushed into dead silence as the youngpiano genius, looking perfectly fashionista, slowly took her placeon the grand piano.Upon hitting the first note, the slim and very Asian inheight Ms. Hiromi, seemingly transformed, suddenly loomedover the huge piano like a giant, as if reminding the mass ofwood, steel and ivory who’s boss in this show. As the genius ofMs. Hiromi squeezed every possible emotional nuance from theinert piano, transforming it into her personal musical voice, theaudience, held captive in the musical monologue, were bathedin wonderful notes which came from a sparkling few to rushingcascades. As an example, George Gershwin’s “I’ve Got Rhythm”started with an inquisitive Ms. Hiromi tapping simple to complexmusical questions on the piano, waiting for its ambient responseand patiently exploring chance avenues that may open up forimprovisational adventure. The audience, like on a tour into musicallabyrinths, is taken from the shallow to the deep and finally, to theend of the tunnel and resolution-a final musical explosion, full ofchild-like joy.All throughout Ms. Hiromi’s concert, one gets the feelingthat here was a happy artist sharing the joys of her blessed giftto an audience in celebration of the yuletide holidays - it was amutually happy event for both performer and audience. The verywarm (and many times, hot) audience of various nationalities gotits fill of Ms. Hiromi’s excellent performance.In turn, the overwhelmed Ms. Hiromi, with tears in her eyes,addressed and thanked the audience in a most personal way.Happily, P.I.Jazzfest and its partners once more, took the risk indefying the pop norms of the times, and opted for excellence inits artist criteria. With the “Gift of Jazz Concert” of Ms. Hiromi, thebelief that art and entertainment don’t mix and that jazz has lost itsfollowing was made dogmatic. A worthy reward for a huge effort.Edgardo E Avenir is one ofthe founders of the PhilippineInternational Jazz Festival.Himself an accomplishedmusician, he has contributedlargely to the promotion andadvancement of jazz in thePhilippines, as a performeras well as festival organizer,both with equal passion anddedication.Hiromi with PIJazzfest Organizers