What makes Alive by Hiromi Uehara notable?

Alive received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its energetic compositions and technical prowess. It further solidified Hiromi's position in the jazz world, earning a spot on various year-end lists and showcasing her innovative approach to jazz fusion. Released in 2014, Alive marks Hiromi Uehara's sixth studio album, following her critically acclaimed work with the Trio Project. At this point in her career, she had already established herself as a formidable pianist and composer, blending elements of jazz with classical and rock influences.

Alive works well if you're into steady flow with dynamic peaks, engaging for focused listening and ideal for reflective moments.

How many songs are on Alive?

Alive has 9 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Alive

Hiromi Uehara · 2014

74 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of complex rhythms and melodies showcases Hiromi's virtuosity and spontaneous creativity within contemporary jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alive — The title track opens the album with an electrifying blend of intricate piano lines and dynamic improvisation, setting the tone for the entire project.
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Wanderer — This piece beautifully intertwines serene melodies with complex rhythms, demonstrating Hiromi's ability to evoke deep emotions through her exceptional piano technique.
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Spirit — With its uplifting motifs and rhythmic drive, 'Spirit' encapsulates the album's essence of exploration and vitality, showcasing Hiromi's lively performance style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Hiromi's vibrant compositions and technical skill create a compelling jazz experience that rewards multiple listens.

What we noticed

The album opens with a rapid tempo in 'Alive', then transitions to slower, more contemplative pieces like 'Dreamer' and 'Firefly'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow with dynamic peaks
engaging for focused listening
ideal for reflective moments
captivating interplay of melodies

Maybe skip if you

not for instant gratification
avoids standalone single satisfaction

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2014, Alive marks Hiromi Uehara's sixth studio album, following her critically acclaimed work with the Trio Project. At this point in her career, she had already established herself as a formidable pianist and composer, blending elements of jazz with classical and rock influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper· Brad Mehldau