What makes Place to Be by Hiromi Uehara notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its inventive compositions and showcases Uehara's unique voice in jazz. It contributed to her rising prominence in the genre, helping to redefine traditional jazz boundaries while appealing to both jazz purists and new listeners alike. Released in 2009, Place to Be is Hiromi Uehara's third studio album, following her breakthrough work, Spiral (2006). At this stage, Uehara was solidifying her reputation as a formidable pianist and composer in the contemporary jazz scene, blending various genres with her innovative style.

Who is Place to Be for?

Place to Be works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Place to Be?

Place to Be has 12 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Place to Be

Hiromi Uehara · 2009

65 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity that showcases jazz's improvisational spirit and avant-garde tendencies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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BQE — Opening with a complex interplay of rhythm and melody, this track sets the tone for the album's adventurous spirit and showcases Uehara's virtuosic piano skills.
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Pachelbel’s Canon — Uehara transforms the classical piece into an energetic jazz exploration, highlighting her ability to reinterpret familiar themes through a contemporary lens.
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Place to Be — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending emotional depth with technical prowess, making it a standout demonstration of Uehara's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Hiromi Uehara's intricate compositions and improvisational flair create a distinctive jazz experience.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
The last three tracks form a cohesive suite that gradually builds in intensity before concluding with the title track, which offers a reflective contrast.

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

Influence 3/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Place to Be is Hiromi Uehara's third studio album, following her breakthrough work, Spiral (2006). At this stage, Uehara was solidifying her reputation as a formidable pianist and composer in the contemporary jazz scene, blending various genres with her innovative style.
Stylistic neighbors: Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper· Brad Mehldau