It’s been four long years since pianist and composer Keiko Matsui released the elegant Moyo. That is an atypical break for an artist who has recorded 22 studio albums since her debut in the late 1980s. The opening “Secret Pond” utilizes Matsui’s love of new age music in a context that also employs Japanese folk melodies and classical themes. Cameroonian bassist, composer, and vocalist Richard Bona appears on the successive tracks “Falcon’s Wing,” and “Nguea Wonja.” Kirk Whalum appears on the 21st century funky blues that is “Awakening” in a septet; He also guests on the smooth-gooving “Affirmation,” in which his soulful saxophone solo is the centerpiece. The set closes with the title track. Jackiem Joyner plays saxophone in the slowly developing tune which weds classical and new age. The Road is yet another fascinating chapter in the career of a prolific artist whose approach to contemporary music knows no bounds. ~ Thom Jurek
It’s been four long years since pianist and composer Keiko Matsui released the spare, elegant Moyo. That is an atypical break for an artist who has recorded 22 studio albums since her debut in the late 1980s. Some of these players have collaborated with her for decades while still others make their initial appearances. The opening “Secret Pond” utilizes Matsui’s love of new age music in a context that also employs Japanese folk melodies and classical themes; it is arranged by Heigo Yokouchi and features bassist Reggie Hamilton and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Cameroonian bassist, composer, and vocalist Richard Bona appears on the successive tracks “Falcon’s Wing,” and “Nguea Wonja.” Kirk Whalum appears on the 21st century funky blues that is “Awakening” in a septet; He also guests on the smooth-gooving “Affirmation,” in which his soulful saxophone solo is the centerpiece. The set closes with the title track. Jackiem Joyner plays saxophone in the slowly developing tune which weds classical and new age. The Road is yet another fascinating chapter in the career of a prolific artist whose approach to contemporary music knows no bounds. ~ Thom Jurek
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