INDEX
The Art of “Supporting” vs. The Expression of “Singing” Through Performance
Shifting back to “Pendulum (feat. Michelle Willis),” how did you approach playing the piano to complement Michelle’s vocals in this track?
Uehara: I never really planned out exactly how I would play. It was more about flowing and adapting to what was happening in the moment.
It feels like you’re “singing” through the piano in a way, rather than just accompanying her.
Uehara: Yes, that’s true. But for me, it’s more about aligning myself with the essence of the song. When I’m playing alongside a vocalist, it’s like entering their world through the lyrics. Of course, the vibe of the song influences how I approach it, and it’s different when I perform with someone like Akiko Yano. But with Michelle, especially in this track, it’s about creating a kind of harmony between the piano and the voice.
In the latter part of the song, Adam O’Farrill’s trumpet solo almost feels like it’s “singing,” while Adrian Felo’s bass and Gene Coy’s drums give this deep sense of “support.” Adrian, in particular, seems to have a remarkable skill for elevating the piano, trumpet, and vocals.
Uehara: Adrian often gets attention for his technical prowess, but what truly makes him stand out is his remarkable ability to listen and adjust. He has this unique gift for making whoever is playing with him—whether it’s a soloist or a vocalist—shine even brighter. That’s the real magic of what he brings to the table. If he knew someone recognized that, I think he’d be really pleased.
Please pass that along to him! [laughs] You mentioned earlier that the lyrics for “Pendulum” came naturally as the song unfolded. Can you describe the image or feeling that first came to you when that happened?
Spin wide, spin light
— “Pendulum (featuring Michelle Willis)” *partial quote
Floating in a summer mind
Watching you, I’m
Wondering where you go
Wandering all alone
Hesitating
Among the people passing
There am I
You are floating unanchored in light
Swing forth, swing wide
Swing me to the other side
Morning comes I’m Carried in the sound
Rush and body bound
Push pull, torn I’m holding every feeling
We are floating unanchored in light
And like a boat out on the waves
Shimmering in cloud cascades
You surround the breath I hold
The more I give the more you go
Uehara: Life feels like a pendulum—no matter what happens, it continues on its steady rhythm. Each day lasts 24 hours, and each week has seven days, ticking away like a pendulum. Everyone experiences this same cycle, but within it, there are countless stories and dramas. Life keeps unfolding until the pendulum eventually stops. That’s the essence of what I wanted to capture in the song.
You’ve conveyed such emotions, images, and landscapes through your piano before, but this time, you felt the need to express it with words.
Uehara: Yes. The piano is always with me, and I often feel it speaks more directly than words. But sometimes, at unexpected moments, the words naturally follow. This was one of those times. I don’t really have the skill to write lyrics on demand for a specific theme, but when words emerge naturally from the music, I feel it’s important to let them come to life.
Looking forward, do you feel inclined to collaborate with vocalists again and create more songs with lyrics?
Uehara: Definitely. There’s something really special about working with someone else on something I’ve always admired, like vocals. I felt that when I worked with Michelle, and I absolutely love her voice. So if the opportunity arises, I’d be happy to do it again. But as for me singing myself? Probably not. [laughs]
Hiromi Uehara Hiromi’s Sonicwonder “OUT THERE”（CD）
Released on Friday, April 4, 2025
Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)
UCCO-1246
1. XYZ
2. Yes!
3. Pendulum (featuring Michelle Willis)
4. OUT THERE: Takin’ Off
5. OUT THERE: Strollin’
6. OUT THERE: Polaris
7. OUT THERE: The Quest
8. Pendulum
9. Balloon Pop
Hiromi Uehara: piano & keyboards
Adrian Fellows: bass
Gene Coy: drums
Adam O’Farrill: trumpet
Michelle Willis: vocals on 3
