KEIKO MATSUI
The Road...
Shanachie Records

“Keiko” in her native Japanese means “a happy, celebrated child“ and with 22 albums recorded, countless magical live performances and being an ambassador for some truly memorable good causes Keiko has become a happy, celebrated woman. Four years in the making, “THE ROAD...” is a truly beautiful experience… classy, elegant and produced with a feather-like touch. It incorporates Keiko’s musical mastery including Jazz, New Age and Classical. Favorite tracks include the first single, the inspiring “Affirmation“ which features Kirk Whalum on saxophone… totally captivating. “Nguea Wonja” (co-written by Richard Bona) with its African high life rhythm and brilliant melody and the magical “Falcons Wing“ soaring like a bird of prey in the clear blue sky. Musical guests include the aforementioned Kirk Whalum and Richard Bona, Jackiem Joyner and old friend Vinnie Colaiuta. I'm sure this wonderous road of Keiko’s will go on forever. ~STEWART COXHEAD