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Tokyo born pianist Keiko Matsui is not just a jazz player. Part of her music is emotionality but also spirituality. This is shown not only by her musical depth but also her very cordial relationship to fans and listeners. Keiko states꞉ “Journey To The Heart is my gift to my fans. I want to deliver the most beautiful and emotional experience.”
Keiko has composed all songs on the new album. She is accompanied by bassist Carlitos del Puerto, who also produced and arranged this project, drummer Jimmy Branley, guitarist Ramon Stagnero, percussionist Luis Quintero, harmonica player Gregoire Maret and JP Mouran, who plays additional guitar on Carnival.
Moving On opens the window to Keiko's music world with the blissful radiance of a spontaneous energy. She immediately captures the attention of the listener with an incredible flow and groove. The handcrafted sound is authentic, lively and beyond the overproduced music of fellow competitors. The nearness to pianists like Bob James and David Benoit is unmistakable.
Carnival is a
festival of merrymaking, amusements, entertainment full of music and
dancing. This moment of lightness of being inspires her Latin
flavored music reflecting South American zest for life, vitality and
exotic savor. The Edge Of Twilight presents the full
dynamic range of
Keiko's instrument,
that she controls with unprecedented virtuosity
and vigor. Butterfly
is a sugar sweet ballade filled with flying, fluttering flakes of
sound, strings and romance. Tango in
Casablanca? From the cultural
confusion
rises a
delightful melody.
Gregoire Maret, the highly acclaimed master of
the harmonica, blends willingly the atmospheric sound of his
instrument with Keiko's sonic concertante piano strikes. On
Journey To The Heart Keiko creates from an
undemanding melody with an enchanting orchestral arrangement
something outside expectations. Havana Nights brings us back to the
Bodegas of Cuba with a deceptively Latin flair performing a
blistering Bossa groove. On New Beginning Keiko allows
herself to expand into majestic and grandiose music decorated with
orchestral strings to a pompous style. Ramon Stagnero on guitar sets
emancipative counter-accents. Two Harbors features
Gregoire Maret on harmonica in the lead again.
His soul touching performance makes every tune to an audible
experience. The final Blue Rose indulges in romantic
vibrations with a Waltz like swing.
Keiko Matsui initiates her great musical
personality, attitude and talent in this new project. With a premier
selection of musicians from outside of the known smooth jazz circle
she manages to take the next step on her Journey To The Heart.
Biography
Website
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title: Journey To The Heart
Artist: Keiko Matsui
Year: 2016
Length: 0:46:47
Genre: General Jazz
Label: Shanachie Entertainment
Tracks:
01 Moving On [4:45]
02 Carnival [4:35]
03 The Edge Of Twilight [3:23]
04 Butterfly [4:44]
05 Casablanca [5:03]
06 Journey To The Heart [5:14]
07 Havana Nights [4:01]
08 New Beginning [4:54]
09 Two Harbors [5:18]
10 Blue Rose [4:50]
Further reviews: