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Singers Who Shaped Uehara: Janis Joplin and Hiroto Komoto
Which singers have had the biggest influence on you?
Uehara: There are so many, but if I had to choose one who left a lasting impression, it would be Janis Joplin. Her voice felt like a raw, soulful scream. I remember thinking, “I wish I could convey that kind of emotion on the piano.” I also adore Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone. When I watch Nina Simone’s live performances, she’s so fully immersed in the music that it’s almost eerie. I’d watch her with a mix of awe and a bit of resignation, realizing I could never reach that depth. I also grew up loving the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, and Joni Mitchell.
Are there any newer singers who have stood out to you recently?
Uehara: I’m absolutely in love with RAYE.
She’s fantastic! At the recent Academy Awards performance of 007, she confidently performed Adele’s “Skyfall.” Her live set at Fuji Rock last year was also phenomenal.
Uehara: I haven’t seen her live yet, but I did catch her performance during the American Music Awards broadcast. She was absolutely amazing.
How about Japanese singers? You’ve had some incredible collaborations with Akiko Yano, and you also performed with DREAMS COME TRUE in the past, right?
Uehara: Yes, I’m a huge fan of Miwa Yoshida as a vocalist. In Japan, I also really admire Hiroto Komoto, and I make it a point to see The Cro-Magnons whenever I can. Last year, I had the pleasure of watching Aina the End for the first time at an event (JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ) led by Shun Ishiwaka, and her performance completely blew me away. And Koh Nakamura is also fantastic.
You’ve even jumped on stage with Kaho Nakamura before. Both she and Akiko Yano play the piano while they sing, which is a style you also embrace. Have you ever been particularly drawn to that kind of performance?
Uehara: I’ve been dedicated to the piano since I was young, but the idea of singing while playing never really crossed my mind. It wasn’t until I saw Akiko Yano that I understood how seamlessly that style could come to life. In her case, the singing feels like a natural extension of the piano, and vice versa—it’s such a unique and special way of performing.
