Keiko Matsui and Brenda Russell at KSBR Birthday Bash

Keiko Matsui has released a new CD titled, “The Road” on Shanachie Record label. She will be appearing ‘live’ to play it for you at the Mission Viejo KSBR Birthday Bash May 29 along with singer/songwriter Brenda Russell and 30 other dynamic acts. Here’s my assessment of Matsui’s latest album and a glimpse of what you’ll hear at the concert.

Listening to the first cut on Matsui’s new release, I visualize a glassy pool of turquoise water tucked beneath swaying palm fronds in some secluded garden. In accordance with my daydream, this original composition is titled “Secret Pond.” On this cut, Matsui’s acoustic piano paints a musical picture to delight our ears. The energy heightens on the second composition, with the addition of subtle background voices, interesting harmonics and pleasing descants to enhance the melody. Richard Bona, who co-produced this song, arranged the vocals along with bass, guitar and percussion. The piece “Falcon’s Wing” takes flight as soon as the first fluttering fingers of Matsui whip across the keyboard. Her dulcet melody is played throughout, like a music box with the ballerina twirling.

“Bohemian Concerto” is fun. The music and voices play cat-and-mouse with sensuality, dynamics and unexpected breaks. Just when you think the piece has ended, the melody peeks around the corner of quiet and re-enters the room. This is followed by a soft, sexy ballad called, “Embrace & Surrender.” It unfolds gently, weaving its way into your listening space like a slow, sensuous dance. On “Awakening,” staccato phrases punch the rhythm and the repetitious melody line is almost robotic, as it moves jerkily across the invisible turntable. Matsui’s gift is the art of giving us repeatable melody lines that entice her audience to sing along and are easy to remember. She stretches from meditative compositions to danceable grooves; from sexy ballads to funk. 

This artist is the epitome of keyboard mastery and commercial success. She combines New Age with smooth jazz, featuring Kenny G-like arrangements on the last two tunes that showcase Kirk Whalum and Jakeim Joyner adding their own unique saxophone riffs. Kudos to the mixologists who mastered these instrumental sounds to perfection. 

Lucky you! When you attend KSBR’s family concert you’ll get to experience this lady’s amazing keyboard mastery. Perhaps she will play “Nguea Wonja.” This song incorporates African sounding chants to compliment Matsui’s classical roots and showcases Matsui’s dexterity with right and left hands pounding out poly-rhythms. I wanted to know what Nguea Wonja meant. After doing some research, I discovered that Nguea Wonja means ”to take pride in the road you are travelling while on your journey.” That very succinctly summarizes this recording project. Keiko Matsui takes us on a musical trip that is emotionally and pleasantly provocative to our ears. Matsui’s unique arrangements help make this recording one of her best efforts to date. Don’t miss the artist’s live performance. It promises to be a real crowd pleaser!