Hiromi Does Japanese Beer Commercial

Mmmm…beer. I like it, you like it, and so does Japanese pianist Hiromi. I think she’s trying to tell us that it’s the secret to the dexterous keyboard skills on display all over her album, Another Mind. In a commercial that aired on Japanese television in December, Hiromi sits at a piano and rips out a complex run, then she takes a gulp of Kirin Malt Squash, a Japanese light beer, and makes the universal sign of refreshment (“aaaahhhh”)-and she keeps on swingin’. It’s a trip. You can view the commercial at Kirin’s Web site-click on “TVCM” in the upper right-hand corner.

Sadly, Kirin Malt Squash isn’t available in the U.S., but Hiromi’s music is widely available, here and everywhere. In addition to Another Mind, which came out in April of last year via Telarc, the pianist released three album tracks on her Web site, www.hiromimusic.com, as The XYZ EP. If you’re curious about Hiromi’s music, or if you’re just cheap, you can download the tunes “XYZ,” “Truth and Lies” and “Joy” free of charge. There’s also downloadable album art available.

On May 25, Telarc will release Hiromi’s next album, Tastes Great, Less Filling. Kidding. The album is titled Key Talk and features bassist Tony Grey and drummer Martin Valihora, as well as bassist Anthony Jackson on three tracks. Hiromi can also be caught live, below is a list of current U.S. tour dates. Check Telarc’s Hiromi tour page for updates.

2004 tour dates:

2/27 • Ft. Pierce Jazz Society • Ft. Pierce FL

5/30 • Atlanta Jazz Festival • Atlanta GA

6/4 to 6/6 • Jazz Standard • New York NY

6/8 and 6/9 • Night Town • Cleveland OH

6/12 • Asian Moon Festival • Milwaukee WI

8/10 and 8/11 • Iridium New • York NY

12/6 and 12/7 • The Menil Colletion Museum • Houston TX

Originally Published February 13, 2004