Keiko Matsui Journey To The Heart Album Review

Any artist that has recorded more than 20 albums has to be considered great, because quite simply, if people are not feeling your music, they will not support it.  Well, Keiko Matsui has released 27 recordings.  Her first album was released in 1987 – A Drop of Water.  Since then, Matsui has released solo albums, compilations, a duet release with Bob James, and even a book containing sheet music for some of Matsui’s favorite songs.

When I was growing up in the Bay Area, the jazz radio station KBLX used to mention her constantly.  They always played her music, and she performed quite a bit on the west coast.  Without really knowing her music, I went to a show at Yoshi’s in Oakland.  I became a fan immediately after that experience.  In general, if you want to hear what the music really should sound like, you must go to a live show.

Anyway – Back to the Keiko Matsui Journey To The Heart Review

Here are a few of our favorite tracks.

Matsui’s latest release, Journey To The Heart is vintage Keiko Matsui.  Her piano is front and center, and you can hear that on the opening track, Moving On.  You can tell she has worked with Bob James, because this track has a Fourplay type of feel to it.  It is an uptempo track, and it is a great way to open up the album.

The Brazilian vibe is on full display with the track Carnival.  The piano and the guitar play nicely off of each other.  Which leads us to the next track:

The Edge Of Twilight has Matsui at her best.  The track starts off smooth, then builds as a great Spanish guitar takes the track to that next level.

When I hear Casablanca, I get the visual of lounging in a small Supper Club, just enjoying the scene as the band entertains the crowd.  The possibilities of what comes next, are endless!

We like the entire experience, and you will also.  You can check it out and purchase here.

You can also check her out live in September and October.  She will perform with Kenny Lattimore and Michael Lington at the Temecula Thornton Winery on September 24th.  She will also be with Michael franks in Detroit on October 14th.

Here are some of the other upcoming dates for Matsui’s performances.