Jazz

Keiko Matsui Doll [Jazz][mp3 192][h33t][schon55]

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Keiko Matsui - Doll
Audio CD: July 29, 2003
Original Release Date: July 29, 2003
Label: Shout Factory
Bitrate: 192 kbps

"This pop-jazz recording by Japanese pianist/keyboardist Keiko Matsui is actually better than many comparable contemporary jazz recordings. The melodies are catchy and charming but rather low-key, most of the pieces are quite atmospheric ("1942, From Russia" sounds like a piece from a Hollywood epic), and several unusual moods (for pop-jazz, that is) are explored. Matsui's piano playing is interesting and adds further substance to the music. The other musicians include various session players (Michael Landau, Lenny Castro, Eric Marienthal) and a few guests like Keiko's husband, shakuhachi player Kazu Matsui (who also produced), and singer Philip Bailey (who appears on one of the two vocal tracks). The Japanese edition includes three bonus tracks: solo acoustic piano renditions of "Water Lily," "Doll," and "Morning Walk," which, while not particularly essential, offer a different, moodier approach to the music."

This is a stunning album that has it all--fire and ice, power and grace, stunning performances and fascinating, richly layered arrangements. Pianist Keiko Matsui is portrayed as quiet and unassuming in the cover photos, but boy does she come alive as a composer, brimming over with verve, passion, mystery and depth as she and a host of other musicians soar, pulse and groove their way through a variety of engaging instrumentals, with two vocal pieces thrown in for good measure. Matsui's compositions are jazz at its best--mature, interesting and ever-evolving in a swirl of interchanging leads and motifs. Many of the pieces have a driving, minor-keyed intensity to them that is very compelling, and quite a number of instruments contribute to the sound of this music, including bass, saxophone, electric and acoustic guitars, trumpet, trombone, cello, keyboards, programming, drums and a string quartet. And for a touch of the orient, there's even a koto, a shakuhachi and an occasional flirtation with the pentatonic scale. Personally, I could do without the singing, as it seems to water down the power of the instrumentals. However, the sensible lyrics are a refreshing change from the lust-dominated norm in this idiom. This 1994 album was followed by numerous other releases, including "Deep Blue," "Wildflower," and "White Owl," all in a similarly deft and powerful style. If you like the music of Keiko Matsui, you may also enjoy that of Peter White in "Glow." ~ Brianna Neal

Personnel:
Lenny Castro
Michael Landau - electric guitar
Eric Marienthal - saxophone
Fernando Saunders - bass
Keiko Matsui - piano, keyboards
Derek Nakamoto - synthesizer, programming
June Kuramoto - koto
Kazu Matsui - shakuhachi
Steve Holtman - trombone
Thom Rotella - acoustic guitar
Akira Jimbo - drums
Clay Jenkins - trumpet
Molly Pasutti - vocals
Also: Luis Conte, Philip Bailey, Warren Hill

Keiko Matsui - Doll tracklist:
01 Bronze Casting (04:48 )
02 Moroccan Ashes (04:33)
03 Doll (04:38)
04 Water Lily (05:08 )
05 Voice Of The Heart (04:31)
06 1942, From Russia (03:08 )
07 Postponed Summer (04:37)
08 Eye Of The Moon (04:52)
09 Funny Things (03:59)
10 Sympathy (04:50)

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