Jazz pianist Hiromi will perform at Irvine Barclay Theatre on April 24. Her new groove-heavy project called Sonicwonder features a four-piece band, including Adam O’Farrill on trumpet, Hadrien Feraud on bass and Gene Coye on drums. We asked Hiromi about her upcoming show.
What inspired you to create the Sonicwonder project?
For the album “Sonicwonderland” (2023), I had the image of the music, then looked for the musicians who could fit the sound image that I had in my mind. I wanted to do something more electric, using more keyboards on top of the acoustic piano. I needed a trumpet player who could play with effects and pedals, then the rhythm section.
What are you excited about for the audience?
I want everyone to enjoy the musical conversation between musicians.
What atmosphere do you hope to create?
I just want to give everything I have – full energy. I like the venue to feel like one.
Best advice from your mentors (Chick Corea or Ahmad Jamal)?
Keep doing what I love and believe, and keep learning.
If you could jam with any musician, who would it be?
Frank Zappa. I am just a fan.
A must-listen jazz album?
Erroll Garner’s “Concert by the Sea.”
