Stanley Clarke, Hiromi, et Publiquartet

I love a variety of music, and therefore often find fusions to be interesting and enjoyable.
For some reason, I particularly like rock fusions, and Stanley Clarke has a unique blend of jazz with a bit of pop, rock, and R&B thrown in that is infectious, irresistible and uniquely his own. He is not the next anyone, and when he came to Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, so close to Washington, DC, I had to take the opportunity to check it out in person.
In the spirit of jazz, the interaction between the musicians was almost like a conversation, with the sounds blending perfectly, but at the same time, watching the artists in the way they moved, played and even their expressions, they seemed to be talking back and forth to one another using their instruments rather than their voices.
I have never seen a performance quite like this, and it was clear that the others in the audience were equally intrigued. It was almost like seeing a music concert and a wordless play at the same time. I got so wrapped up in the music it seemed like the artists were weaving a tale, that I was actually seeing a play rather than just a music concert. This energy was maintained through the entire concert and at the end left me wanting to see more.

Hiromi is an exceptionably talented pianist, with virtuosic skills that are absolutely out of this world. The ferocity of her playing creates an energy as if she is caught in a whirlwind of notes and just has to bash them al out before it is too late. Her music is completely electrifying, with a mind-blowing technique making her a formidable performer. At her performance at London's Cadogan Hall, she was joined by Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar and UK drummer Simon Phillips, as part of her Hiromi Trio Project. It was a real tour-de-force of jazz, with blistering piano runs giving new pace to her songs. But her music also covered styles as diverse as blues, progressive rock, R & B and classical stylings, making for an eclectic display that really showcased Hiromi and her trio's talents. She played on her grand piano, as well as an electronic keyboard that sat above her, jumping between the two creating a wide, diverse timbre and dynamic experience for the audience. The drummer had a huge kit, certainly a long way from what earlier jazz drummers would have used but it certainly provided a dense rhythmic display that grounded Hiromi's pyrotechnics on the piano. She is a truly remarkable musician who must be seen to be believed.