Hiromi's SONICWONDER

Hiromi Uehara, the Grammy-winning virtuoso whose explosive technique and thrilling unpredictability have made her "one of the most remarkable pianists of the past half century," brings her electrifying Sonicwonder quartet to the Golden Gate Theatre. This dynamic ensemble features masterful trumpeter Adam O'Farrill, French bass phenom Hadrien Feraud, and powerhouse drummer Gene Coye, performing material from her acclaimed Concord album Out There.

Sonicwonder represents Hiromi's "plugged-in" side, showcasing a funkier, high-energy approach that blends contemporary jazz with progressive rock and R&B influences. The Japanese pianist commands a trio of keyboards — a Yamaha grand piano topped with a Nord Lead A1 synthesizer and a Nord electro acoustic keyboard — dancing between them as she crafts "a delirious mix of modern jazz and funk."

Audiences describe Hiromi as "a joyful whirling dervish, standing over the piano with a beaming smile as she ripped out 32nd-note runs," her performances creating "an energy as if she is caught in a whirlwind of notes." O'Farrill's trumpet weaves through the sonic landscape with exquisitely pure tone, often enhanced by effects pedals, while the rhythm section of Feraud and Coye provides both dense, funky foundations and moments of intuitive interplay.

The quartet's repertoire spans from the soulful, loping grooves of "Wanted" to the bouncy funk of the title track "Sonicwonderland," with tender ballads like "Polaris" showcasing the "musical pas de deux" between Hiromi and O'Farrill. Trained in classical music from age 14 and mentored early by Chick Corea and Ahmad Jamal, Hiromi seamlessly weaves together bebop figuration, progressive rock complexity, and fusion-era textures with breathtaking precision.

This return to San Francisco follows Hiromi's triumphant SFJAZZ Festival appearances, where packed venues witnessed her "electrifying" performances that left audiences in "slack-jawed amazement." With Sonicwonder, expect an exuberant adventure that pushes jazz into thrilling new territories while honoring the tradition that shaped this singular artist.