Natsu [Import]

1. Japanese

2. Japanese

3. Japanese

4. Japanese

5. Japanese

6. Japanese

7. Umuty

8. Japanese

9. Japanese

10. Japanese

Natsu,Nenes,Sony,World Music

Average customer rating: Not Keiko Matsui-bland and piano in background Interesting Stuff Wonderful cd Another Masterpiece Looking forward, looking back: a wonderful retrospective

Moyo Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Angels of Shanghai He Had a Hat Stay with Me Ladies' Choice En Route ASIN: B000NVL9I8 Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Heart And Soul (Moyo)
2. A Great Romance
3. Into The Night
4. Caricias
5. An Evening In Gibraltar
6. When I Close My Eyes
7. After The Rain
8. Allure
9. Black River
10. Old Potch Road
11. Um Novo Dia (A New Day)
12. Marula

Amazon.com

Pianist Keiko Matsui, a favorite among smooth jazz and crossover fans for her elegant melodic style, breaks new ground on several fronts with Moyo. Having split with her husband Kazu Matsui, who produced her previous albums, she produced it herself, for a new label (Shout Factory), and recorded much of it in South Africa (as well as Japan, New York, California, and Colorado). Moyo has a high special-guest quotient: trumpeter Hugh Masekela, saxophonists Paul Taylor and Gerald Albright, and singer-bassist Richard Bona are featured. But the clean and sometimes spare arrangements allow the personal nature of the writing to come through. When Matsui trusts in the forceful lyricism of her playing, as on the title track (Swahili for "Heart and Soul"), she makes the strongest impression. But even when she employs synthesizer and soprano sax sweetening, the songs maintain their honest expression. The rhythmic thrust of South African-derived songs such as "After the Rain" may well open her up to a new audience. --Lloyd Sachs

Album Description

Contemporary jazz icon Keiko Matsui's new album, (Swahili for "heart and soul"), recorded with local musicians in South Africa, Japan and the United States, introduces new sounds and rhythms to her elegant piano melodies and gentle jazz grooves. For this project, Keiko invited other artists into the creative process, including legendary trumpeter Hugh Masakela, sax player Gerald Albright, soprano sax player Paul Taylor, bassist/vocalist Richard Bona, drummer Akira Jimbo and vocalist Waldemar Bastos.

Customer Reviews:

Not Keiko Matsui-bland and piano in background.......2007-07-08

I have bought all of her prior albums, and many by her husband Kazu, and have usually been pleased with the distinctive variety of mix with piano and a variety of jazz or new age styles. But while this CD has a cut or two worth listening, most of this could be exchanged blindfolded with a large number of other boring lounge acts. Unfortunately, this album is like the many other "popular" jazz artists who tend to all sound alike, akin to the bland Americanized taste of a Mexican meal that is on the menu at almost every chain restaurant in the country. She used to be different, original and....I was listening to this for the first time in my office and someone came by and said "I thought you didn't like Kenny G." (I don't!) On many cuts, the main sound is sax, or some other not-her, so if you are looking for a variety of playing, like Wildflower to Dream Walk to others, it is not here.

Interesting Stuff.......2007-05-30

This is the first Moyo CD i've heard. It's very interesting, very good. Easy listening, and very smooth. I like the tempo's and the quality of the music.
I am definitely interested in listening to more.

Wonderful cd.......2007-05-27

Keiko Matsui is a awesome cd with wonderful arrangements & wonderful songs. She just keeps getting better on each new cd. Shes a awesome musician. I feel she as awesome as Jim Brickman, David Benoit & Bob James. Id say to go out to buy this new release of hers as quikly as you can & youll be glad you did. George

Another Masterpiece.......2007-05-26

I got a sneak peak of Moyo when I went to Keiko Matsui's concert in March, have been looking forward to the CD since then. I am happy to play this loud again in my ears!

Looking forward, looking back: a wonderful retrospective.......2007-05-24

Moyo is a wonderful album for those new to Keiko Matsui as it captures her musical development for the past two decades, from smooth jazz to new age, and the emergence of a new style incorporating a wider range of ethnic influences and a willingness to record in more spontaneous settings.

Following her divorce last year from her personal and professional partner of more than twenty years, Keiko Matsui began exploring new musical directions, a walk into the future punctuated with occasional glances into the past. The result is her first album of original work in two years, music that both looks back and looks ahead.

Her new direction finds Matsui borrowing from the African contemporary jazz scene, not only in compositions infused with African rhythms, but also in her choice of performing and recording mates, including the reigning grandfather of South African jazz, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Angolan vocalist Waldemar Bastos, and Cameroonian bassist/singer Richard Bona. Matsui also seems to be trying to open up her performing by recording with live musicians in more spontaneous settings, rather than continuing to develop the carefully orchestrated synthesizer work for which she has long been known and at which she excels.

She hasn't abandoned that style altogether. You can find a couple of examples on Moyo, slower numbers based on piano and synthetic strings that will be pleasingly familiar to fans who have made her albums of the past seven to eight years commercial successes. Going back even further, Matsui calls on saxophonist Paul Taylor, a member of her touring and recording band in the mid-to late 90's, and Gerald Albright, who first recorded with Matsui in 1991, to help light up a few smooth jazz memories.

If you've never heard Matsui, Moyo would be a great place to start. If you've been a fan for years, you might find this album a marvelous retrospective.

Average customer rating: Great Music for relaxing Another winner from jazz pianist Keiko Matsui! Another winner from Narada An Underrated pianist in the United States....... Genius

Wildflower Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Walls of Akendora The Piano Deep Blue White Owl Moyo ASIN: B0001BKAEO Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

1. Flashback
2. Facing Up
3. Sense Of A Journey
4. Brand New Wind
5. Eldest Of All
6. Reflections
7. White Castle
8. Temple Of Life
9. Seeker
10. Stone Circle
11. Wildflower

Customer Reviews:

Great Music for relaxing.......2007-04-05

This album is one of her best. If you like music without lyrics, that inspires your imagination, buy it.

Another winner from jazz pianist Keiko Matsui!.......2006-10-01

"Wildflower" is another feast for the ears and soul--a fervent brew of smooth, lushly orchestrated modern jazz with deep, dark overtones and sophisticated, organic arrangements. Pianist and composer Keiko Matsui is one of those artists who just keeps getting better and better. This is wonderfully stirring stuff, filled with both beauty and power! Matsui is joined on this album by Tomohito Aoki on bass, Akira Jimbo on percussion, Kazu Matsui on shakuhachi, and both Shinobu Ishizaki and Masamichi Nanji on soprano saxophone. Try her other releases too, as well as her collaboration with husband Kazu in "The Stone Monkey." Some other albums with a similar sense of sweep, sentiment and power, albeit in different musical styles, are "Nomad" by Jesse Cook (Latin fusion), "Luna Park" by Kila (Afro-Celtic fusion), "Angels of Venice" by the group of the same name (New Age / world fusion) and "Two Horizons" by Moya Brennan (Celtic-New Age fusion).

Another winner from Narada.......2006-03-15

An impressive CD that works on many levels. I do not hesitate to put this CD on when friends are over - it creates a great ambience. Though it is not intrusive, guests will take notice of it and may even ask what you have on. I can't quite classify it as "jazz" or "new age" -- much of it is quite mellow. Yet my favorite track, "Eldest of All", just explodes with virtuoso emotion and demands closer attention. Keiko Matsui is extraordinarily talented and she's a pleasure to listen to. Another winner from Narada!

An Underrated pianist in the United States..............2006-02-02

Over the last 16 years female pianist have been slowly but, surely been making it quite well here in the United States but, sadly Keiko is still under the radar......You'd think how this album came out a few years after the grammy's gave big hoopla over Alica Keys that finally Keiko would get some recognition...but, alas no. Guess if you don't mix a bit of hip hop or be moody like Fiona you're just not going to catch on here.... This is a great album has that japanese jazz flow that can be found in parts of the armitage soundtracks yet, theres some touches of traditional jazz piano here too even though the synth's in this may at points mislead you into thinking this album is some sort of new age music but, alas it's not. Think more of it as Micheal-Jarre if he was to play the piano on his lp's.....This is a good album to give a whirl if you're not familer with Keiko....You'll be pleasently surprised by how often you'll find your self listening to this album...

Genius.......2005-11-26

I've been listening to jazz for over thirty years and I can honestly say that the song "Reflections" found on this outstanding album is undoubtedly my favorite jazz composition of all time. The classical tone, the hypnotic rhythms, the brilliant and complex intonations and inflections and the beautiful, subtle background sounds make this a song that can, like a classical piece, be listened to over and over again with a new discovery being made on each listening. And it never fails to bring on a calm, joyful mood each time I listen to it, never losing its appeal. I would have gladly paid the full price of this CD for this one song alone. Absolutely brilliant!

Average customer rating: Wonderful as expected Ok.....but Great! Sounds of Heaven Another great CD

Walls of Akendora Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wildflower White Owl Moyo The Piano Deep Blue ASIN: B0007X9U4W Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

1. Overture For The City
2. Crystal Shadow
3. Mountain Shakedown
4. Canvas
5. Akendora's Clock
6. Walking Through It
7. Blue Butterfly
8. Gentle Sands
9. Walls Of Akendora
10. Bay Of Destiny

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful as expected.......2007-05-22

Keiko Matsui's music constantly has me saying, "she's so good!" as I listen to her CDs, and this one is no exception. The songs flow together beautifully and there are several on this CD that stand out a little more than the other good ones. As good as the whole CD is, the second half really brings it home beautifully - "Blue Butterfly", "Gentle Sands" and the title track are all great tunes.

This is one of those CDs you'll put in the player and just relax while it plays, or enjoy the drive a little more if you play it while driving around.

Ok.....but.......2007-01-02

I decide to try this album based on all the great reviews. The music is essentially just Jazz with piano; nice but nothing new. It had a little to much orchestration (for me) and not enough spotlighting on Ms Matsui's keyboarding. If you've listened to a fine piano artist like Bob James, then you've heard music very similar to Ms Matsui'salready. It was ok, but nothing memorable (IMHO).

Great!.......2006-03-10

Great music and great video! A little different from her other albums - even better I think.

Sounds of Heaven.......2005-10-05

WOW! Ms Matsui has really done it. I have all of her CD's and this is the BEST. She covers the full range of sounds- hard beat to soul renching soft. Whatever you do when you get this,
sit or lay down and LISTEN- give it your full attention as it certainly deserves it.
Thanks Keiko for not just writing music but creating it.

Another great CD.......2005-09-20

Keiko never bores me, nor do I get tired of listening to her music. I'll add this to my collection of all her CDs and enjoy it just as much as those. Listen and maybe Keiko will take you on a journey somewhere beyond space and time.

Average customer rating: Keiko Matsui's "Full Moon and the Shrine" PURE BEAUTY Full Moon & Shrine Beauty Full Moon and the Shrine is addicting.

Full Moon & the Shrine Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Countdown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Whisper from the Mirror No Borders Under Northern Lights Dream Walk Sapphire ASIN: B0000061H3 Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

1. Night Hawk's Dream
2. Steps In The Night
3. Bonfire In The Piano
4. Southern Crossings
5. Legend Of The Trees
6. Full Moon & The Shrine
7. Spirit At The Corner
8. Toward The Sunrise
9. Forever, Forever
10. Meadow

Customer Reviews:

Keiko Matsui's "Full Moon and the Shrine".......2003-01-19

Around 6 months ago, my dad got me this CD. Since he knew that I like piano music, he got it, even though he had never heard of Keiko Matsui in his life. That was an incredibly lucky guess. I admit that I was surprised at how good this CD was. The music on it is a nice blend of easy listening with a pinch of jazz. It is the type of CD that, no matter how repetitive it gets, you really like anyway. In my opinion, the way that the songs are put together is very creative.
In short, if you like easy listening and/or contemporary music, get this CD. If you like jazz, but don't like the other 2 genres, then don't even think about it.

PURE BEAUTY.......2001-10-19

I was given FULL MOON AND THE SHRINE as a gift months ago and appreciate it more as time passes. I love the way special music like this grows in my heart. This is an awesome composition from start to finish. FULL MOON AND THE SHRINE is a crescendo of emotion. It begins in purity and ends in purity; but in between, it offers the listener the full spectrum of the rainbow. Its sum total is ALL. What a lovely, eclectic blend of sounds! Lovers of jazz and new-age instrumental music are sure to be pleased. Its eclectism lends, at the same time, eccentricity. You may ask, "How can FULL MOON AND THE SHRINE be both eclectic and eccentric?" Listen and you will understand.

Soar my friends,
Soaring Heart

Full Moon & Shrine.......2001-07-14

This CD is wonderful. It is very soothing. You can use it for massage or just for easy listening. I love to hear it while I am driving. It puts me in a very peaceful mood.

Beauty.......2001-07-01

Keiko Matsui has produced many albums, but this album is by far my treasured piece. CDs lose my interest after a few months of repeated listenings, but Full Moon and the Shrine has continued to be fulfilling listening. No weak songs exist in this album, and they flow together well.

Full Moon and the Shrine is addicting........2001-03-03

I always thought jazz was kind of boring, although I can see some redeeming qualities in it. But this CD combines jazz with new age and is just the opposite of boring. I found 5 songs which I play over and over again, my favorite is actually Steps in the Night. If you're a fan of music featuring the piano like me, you'll be sure to enjoy this CD.

The CD includes a very interesting music video version of Full Moon and the Shrine. Beautiful, and kind of spooky if you ask me. I don't know what the HDCD is supposed to mean but if it means that a higher quality version of the audio is available, I'm unaware of it. Of course I don't have a HDCD player though.

Even more addicting than this CD are some tracks on Dream Walk, but this CD has a larger quantity of slightly less addicting tracks.

Average customer rating: One of my favorite Beautiful ... Once again dreamy magical music

Dream Walk Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sapphire Wildflower Walls of Akendora Deep Blue White Owl ASIN: B0000A5A33 Release Date: 2003-07-29

Tracks:

1. Dream Walk
2. Bridge Over Stairs
3. Children Of The Oasis
4. Fire In The Desert
5. Mask
6. Presence Of The Moon
7. Tribal Boat
8. A Cat On The Chimney
9. Passage
10. Valley
11. Flower
12. Tribal Boat
13. Light Above The Trees

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite.......2005-05-14

This is an excellent album--very relaxing and uplifting. Very different from the general run of "stuff" you hear nowdays.

I've called this my "favorite album I do not own". I've checked it out from the library for years because I could not find it for sale. Its time I had it. Thanks!! : )

Beautiful ..........2004-01-29

I got this album from a friend. I knew nothing about Keido Matsui before but this album made me an instant fan. This may not be everybody's cup of tea but I like classic and smooth jazz, classical, instrumental (Vangelis, Mehdi ... ), and Asian pop music, so you get the idea, no?

Bravo Keiko!

Once again dreamy magical music.......2003-11-23

There is something haunting, mystical, mysterious, and yet up front and straight out about Keiko Matsui's music. She is a constant dicotomy, which is enchanting and inspiring all at the same time.

Dream Walk is as wonderful as the rest of her albums. The songs run the gamut of emotion and themes from bubbling cheery to haunting whispers of a dark night's mist rising.

Add this to your collection of Keiko if you are a fan. If you aren't a fan, you might want to start with Shaphire or her Live Album to get a well-rounded taste of the magic. This album is great for easy listening, inspiring listening, and eating dinner or just relaxing with a good book. She's done wonders again!

Average customer rating: beautiful Deep Blue by keiko Matsui Deep, dark, luscious jazz! a few good songs One of Keiko's best

Deep Blue Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Whisper from the Mirror Wildflower Dream Walk The Piano Walls of Akendora ASIN: B00005M0EI Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

1. Deep Blue
2. Water For The Tribe
3. Across The Sun
4. Trees
5. Mediterranean Eyes
6. Rose In Morocco
7. Moonflower
8. Crescent Night Dreams
9. To The Indian Sea
10. Mystic Dance

Customer Reviews:

beautiful.......2007-05-20

This is the most Romantic ,Most beautiful album i have had the pleasure of hearing in my life.I had to buy it twice as a friend loved it so much they took my copy to china.

Deep Blue by keiko Matsui.......2006-11-05

As with all the music that I have heard from Keiko - this is fantastic. She is a breath of fresh air in the 'smooth jazz' world! Love it!

Deep, dark, luscious jazz!.......2006-10-01

Keiko Matsui does it again, offering another album of stirring, sonorous, sumptuous piano jazz composed in her passionate, signature style. Tending more towards the light, modern, New Age end of the jazz spectrum, her music is nonetheless dense with mood, passion and stylish improvisations. Despite the fact that she is joined by only two other musicians--Derek Nakamoto on synthesizers and programming and husband Kazu Matsui on shakuhachi--"Deep Blue" retains that richly voiced, heavily layered quality that Keiko's compositions are known for, with Nakamoto's resonant synthesizers aptly filling in the ground as well as any bass or drum set might. Try Keiko Matsui's other releases as well--they're all great! And for more jazz/New Age fusion, you might enjoy "Dolphin Smiles" by Steve Kindler and Teja Bell too.

a few good songs.......2005-08-08

i'm not a fan of these kind of music. but "to the indian sea" totally got my attention

One of Keiko's best.......2004-03-14

I like this album. It is more to her core style represented best by her 'Dream Walk' album. I would definitely NOT label Mitsui's music as jazz or new age or anything, it is not. IMHO Mitsui has her own style all by herself. One very unique quality of hers is that I can listen to hers album repeatedly without getting bored or fatigue.

I do think a subwoofer or speakers with excellent low ends are required to bring out the full scale the her music.

Average customer rating: Keiko's best! Most enjoyable. Wow

Sapphire Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dream Walk White Owl Wildflower Doll Deep Blue ASIN: B0000A5A36 Release Date: 2003-07-29

Tracks:

1. Safari
2. Bouncing Bougainvillea
3. Sonora
4. Don't Turn On The Light
5. Mission
6. Garden
7. Tears From The Sun
8. Spanish Galleon
9. Dragon Wings
10. Sapphire
11. The River (Solo Piano)
12. Longing (Solo Piano)
13. Sapphire (Solo Piano)

Customer Reviews:

Keiko's best!.......2006-04-19

I have several CD's by Keiko, and I find this to be, by far, her best. Of course, this is very subjective! I'm consistently drawn to her exquisite piano "poetry," her ability to strike individual notes so clearly and combine them with such creative foresight knowing somehow that they will emerge to touch my soul.

In "Sapphire," Keiko has done it again, but this time the music is different. I've always had trouble listening to her music for too long, for in most of her music, I sense an underlying feeling of struggle, sometimes even despair. When I'm anxious, I cannot listen to Keiko for this reason; it exacerbates my unbalanced mood. In Sapphire, this underlying sense of "something off" is missing. The various pieces feel light, some carefree, but still complicated and filled with a variety of instruments including the piano. "Safari," my favorite, is exotic and exciting, yet mysterious. The last three pieces are solo piano, where her skill with the piano shines, little piano riffs throughout all connecting but clearly separate. To me, her piano solos sound like individual crystals landing on glass, diffenent tones, but all so distinct and clear, but always connected to what came before and what will come after, never a separation, but separate. I believe this is Keiko's gift with the piano, and this skill shines through in all the pieces on "Sapphire."

Two pieces are vocal, the rest are instrumental; the woman chosen to sing the two songs I find extremely irritating. If you like the Mariah Carey/Celine Dion kind of screaming whining, you'll probably like the vocals, but I feel they detract immensely from the instruments and Keiko's music. The voice is overbearing and detracts from the overall mood of the album, which is upbeat and encouraging, which isn't always the case with Keiko's music, although always magnificently beautiful, nonetheless.

I gave the album 5 stars despite my extreme dislike of the two songs that I now always skip because the rest of the music is what I love so much about Keiko, but without the very subtle underlying sense of struggle that I feel emanates from a good deal of her music.

Most enjoyable........2005-08-19

Keiko really hit it with this album. The entire album is melodically intriguing and elegant as all of her albums are, but has a couple of hits that are a cut above to top it off. If you are not familiar with Keiko Matsui, she is a classically trained pianist who takes elegant classical melodies and combines them with the advernturousness of jass and the funkiness of funk in creating her own music. The result is phenomenal. If you are not familiar with Keiko Matsui buy this album. It will be the best $14 you've spent in a while.

Wow.......2003-11-29

That's all I have to say. All of the tracks are incredible. They each have a different feel and can take the listener on wild adventures. Many songs like "Safari" and "Dragon Wings" are very light and bouncy. Then there are songs like "Mission" which is very eerie and gothic. I think I am addicted.
(Some may recognize the piano solo "Longing" as "Mask" on Dreamwalk.)

Average customer rating: FOUND TREASURE Pretty standard fare for Narada Mystical Experience There are no borders here! Keiko Matsui - A Phenomenal Artist

Whisper from the Mirror Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Narada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Deep Blue White Owl Dream Walk Full Moon & the Shrine Wildflower ASIN: B00005AKIB Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

1. Whisper From The Mirror
2. Invisible Wing
3. Tears Of The Ocean
4. Between The Moons
5. Beyond The Light
6. Torches On The Earth
7. Dimensions
8. Savanna, No Problem
9. Midnight Stone
10. See You There
11. Ever After
12. Trees

Amazon.com

Keiko Matsui's Whisper from the Mirror is not identified as a theme-based project, yet it's hard not to be caught up in the cohesion and storytelling progression. A mix of classical, jazz, and New Age elements, Matsui's 10th studio project is an all-instrumental, piano-centered affair that has the feel of soundtrack, only it's left for the listener to fill in the blanks. Matsui's melodramatic flourishes are kept earthbound by a subtle, urban-tribal rhythmic base that attractively threads its way through the project. Jazz fans may feel that she sometimes sticks too close to the white keys (some comparisons to Yanni might surface here), yet the recording's rewards reach listeners in more sublime ways, such as on the heart-touching, gently propulsive "Torches on the Earth" and "Beyond the Light." The disc takes its jazziest turn on the final cut, when Bob James joins Matusi at the piano for a four-handed "Ever After." For listeners attracted to the more mystical elements in Matsui's music, Whisper from the Mirror is a voice worth heeding. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

FOUND TREASURE.......2004-12-16

I stumbled upon this CD by accident but was instantly hooked! It is so beautiful and soothing. I can't rave enough about it. Definitely worth every penny! Not what I normally listen to but this proves change is not always bad. I am so glad I found this CD!!!

Pretty standard fare for Narada.......2002-10-30

Keiko's piano is extremely competent, but I found the whole thing a little uninspired. The melodies seemed to be derivatives of other, more well-known songs, and the rest of the album was very unassuming pleasant jazz. The use of electronics and traditional Japanese in some of the tracks gave a uniqueness to them, but failed to capture me.

Mystical Experience.......2002-07-23

Keiko Matsui's melodramatic flourishes are kept earthbound by a subtle rhythmic base. Each listener will be rewarded by her sublime ways, she will touch you gently and you will never be the same.

There are no borders here!.......2002-03-29

To paraphrase an early album title by Keiko Matsui. She simply continues to evolve as an artist and composer. This CD is just breathtaking at times, with songs such as "Between the Moons" (you will not easily forget the synth/piano riff) and "Torches On the Earth" featuring her exquisite touch on the keys. Jazz? New Age? Pop? Who cares. It is simply wonderful instrumental music with both intelligence and heart that you can really get into.

Keiko Matsui - A Phenomenal Artist.......2001-07-10

This is my first Keiko Matsui album and I'm sorry I haven't previously discovered her. I can well understand how she won the Oasis Award for Best Female Smooth Jazz Artist. All of the pieces in this album were composed by Keiko, which exemplify her rare and diverse talent. Her piano combined with Derek Nakamoto on Synthesizer make this album so compelling.Her music is both powerful and emotional-it grabs you and holds you there!The last track is a very impressive four hand piano piece with Bob James. This album is a prayer for all the children on earth who are living hard lives,for their safer and calmer future. July brings her new album, "Deep Blue." I shall be looking forward to it.

Average customer rating: Keiko always pleases Thrilling! The Piano Awesome Cd for Those Who Love Solo Piano Incredible - 5 stars -No repackaging here

The Piano Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wildflower Walls of Akendora Deep Blue Whisper from the Mirror White Owl ASIN: B000093FJK Release Date: 2003-05-06

Tracks:

1. Presence Of The Moon
2. Water Lilly
3. Whisper From The Mirror
4. Between The Moons
5. Light Above The Trees
6. Doll
7. Beyond The Light
8. Trees
9. Forever, Forever
10. See You There
11. Dawn
12. Distance
13. Be With Me

Customer Reviews:

Keiko always pleases.......2007-07-04

Another of this talented pianist's CDs. Enjoyable background music and relaxing when you are stressed.

Thrilling!.......2007-03-29

From the very first track I got captured by the magical notes coming from Keiko's piano. To me, this album is like a dreamy soundtrack for a japanese movie, something like Spirited away. I can imagine myself going thu a green forest, climbing a sacred mountain or looking a shining frozen lake. Don't get me wrong, I don't think this is background music. Each note, each detail, each tempo change is intentionated and played soulfully, and you have to be focused to perecevie these subtle changes and rythm variations. I'm not a pianist but I can say when some one is good.

"The piano" by Keiko matsui is a good example of what I expect from an artist: To be technically skilled, be honest with his art, and play with the heart. I'm giving this CD a 5 star rating beacuse it deserves it. Keiko, you have a new fan here. Highly recommended.

PS: Just a little recommendation that worked great fro me. If you got a home theater, use the HALL (reverb) function to enhance the "ambience" of the songs. Listen to it with a pair of good headhones too, you'll get surprised !

The Piano.......2006-03-25

What i hear on the cd is not the way I heard it on the radio, there mut be a better promo cut played on the radio then that is produced for the cd for open market sales. Disappointed!!!

Awesome Cd for Those Who Love Solo Piano.......2004-01-05

This is an awesome CD! I play piano myself and love listening to pianists who compose their own straight - solo - piano, and Ms. Matsui has created an OUTSTANDING MASTERPIECE in this cd! A friend, who also plays and composes for the piano - heard this cd playing and was also intriqued. He thanked me profusely after I gave him a copy for Christmas and he had listened to it. He thinks its awesome, too. I would compare Matsui's music to Kostia, another artist who writes for the piano. (If you like this cd, check out Kostia's cd's, too.) I have listened to Matsui's other cd's and, to my disappointment, find they are mostly highly electronic and orchestrated. I WISH Ms. Matsui would do more SOLO PIANO cds. In my opinion, it is more impressive to have solo piano and have it sound this good. There are so many artists out there today who are producing new age cd's with so much orchestration. Ms. Matsui is a rare and unique talent whether doing music with accompaniment or not, I hope she will do more solo piano works. She is a stand out. If you love solo piano, you must listen to this cd! The music is phenomenal.

Incredible - 5 stars -No repackaging here.......2003-11-23

Whenever a new Keiko Matsui album comes out, I can hardly wait to get it home to start peeling the wrapping off. And the moment it slips into the machine, I am swept away with the incredible emotional quality of her music. Having seen her live, I know she is an incredible musician, but often her talent on the keyboards is hidden by the simple sound of her music that is actually fairly complex in its implementation. They say that in order for it to look easy, it takes a lot of hard work, and such is very true for Keiko.

"Piano" is an incredible change of pace for this talented composer. In a way, this album is like what older artists do once in a while, and that is go back to their roots. The synthesized music enhances her songs, but hearing them played expertly and simply on the piano - wow! It's like listening to a new song.

"Doll" and "Whisper from the Mirror" are both favorites of mine, and to hear them played this way with all the "excess" gone, they are even more wonderful than before. I have a new perspective on the songs. And a new appreciation and respect for Keiko's talent.

Sometimes artists get so caught up in all the "fill" to make them sound cooler or better, and few pay attention to the detail in the straight composition. My husband, who introduced me to Keiko's music over ten years ago, loves this album and we play it during dinner and quiet times frequently. I'm going to give it as a Holiday present this year for several friends who will love this.

This is truly a showcase CD for Keiko, revealing all her talents.

Average customer rating: Kudos for that talented artist! Fan or New to Keiko, consider this CD... Not disappointed Where is she in this CD? Too Early In Her Career

The Very Best of Keiko Matsui Keiko Matsui Manufacturer: Grp Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Walls of Akendora Wildflower White Owl Deep Blue Sapphire ASIN: B00020IO06 Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

1. Flight Of The Angels
2. The First Four Years
3. Mountain Shakedown
4. Light In The Rain
5. Secret Forest
6. The Wind And The Wolf
7. The Morning Moon
8. The White Corridor
9. Under Northern Lights
10. Mover
11. Souvenir

Customer Reviews:

Kudos for that talented artist!.......2006-06-12

The originality of this talented keyboard's talent has allowed her to establish and even to maintain a curious status among a fascinating blend of New Music, hardly to be qualified. But I still rather to recommend it instead of searching a special category, since all possible categorization is merely reductionism.

Keiko Matsui is fundamentally a creator of atmospheres; and that's her main achievement.

Fan or New to Keiko, consider this CD..........2006-02-26

This CD is nice to add to any Keiko Matsui collection - I own 31 of her CD's including this one (US + Import + reissue). It's a cross section blend of tracks from two of her earlier CD's:
'Under Northern Lights' -1989
'No Borders' -1990

This CD can compliment her 'Best Selection' -2001 collection but be aware that the following 4 tracks appear on both:
The Wind and the Wolf; Light in the Rain; Souvenir; The First Four Years.

Another review comments on the band accompanying Keiko on piano - well, that is how most of her CD's are produced and that's how she performs live...

Oh, and after buying this one, get her truly *Very Best* CD: 'Spring Selection' -2003(Import).
(Track 5 "Water Fairy" is not to be found elsewhere on US disks and is simply a wonderful track.)

Not disappointed.......2005-07-22

Opposed to previous reviewers, I am not disappointed with this CD. I am familiar with Keiko's work, and have seen her in concert. And though I do enjoy her work, her style...I think the addtion of brass, sax, and vocals is a nice variation on this CD. More specifically, Greg Walker's rendition of MOVER (track 10) is really quite marvelous. He moves around those lyrics so adeptly ... with such enthusiam...I can almost visualize her (the mover) dancing across the floor ...yelling "Argentina". However, I am completely perplexed as to why he is not listed on the credits...not listed anywhere ???

Where is she in this CD?.......2005-07-17

I have 4 other K.M. cds and they are all beautiful sounds, I like piano music.This CDis a big disappointment because it sounds like a smooth jazz group like ForePlay or the Rippingtons, with very little of K.M. piano solo music. I actually thought I had received a mis-labeled cd from my club who I ordered this from but that was not the case.

Too Early In Her Career.......2005-02-22

With some artists, the earlier in their career the better;
but with the wonderful Keiko Matsui, I believe, the later in her
career the better...and this is no fault of hers. Her earlier
albums are produced with WAY TOO MANY VOCALS AND CHEESY SAXAPHONE SOLOS, while her later albums have her genius backed up by electronica, deep bass, etc. without voclas. In other words, "they"
finally figured out how to best present her. This "Very Best of" CD is a prime example. Consisting of selections from her 2nd and 3rd CDs, it has WAY TOO MAY VOCALS AND CHEESY SAXAPHONE SOLOS...though Keiko's work itself is always beautiful.

International Music:

1. News Beat [CD-single] [Import]
2. Nothing to Lose [CD-single] [Import]
3. Olive [CD-single] [Import]
4. Orange Sunshine [Import]
5. Pacific [CD-single] [Import]
6. Passover Seder Service
7. Peepshow [Explicit Lyrics]
8. Piano Nightly [Import]
9. Pioneers [Import]
10. Ponk!! [Import]

International Music

International Music