Post Description

WILDFLOWER is an exotic addition to the discography of jazz pianist Keiko Matsui. Known predominately as a smooth jazz artist, Matsui has released over a dozen CDs in the US since 1986 and has become known for her sparse, evocative piano compositions that float over sweeping, majestic chords. While her last few albums ventured closer to New Age music, WILDFLOWER makes a surprising move toward sophisticated dance/lounge grooves. The first track, "Flashback," incorporates textural sound treatments with Matsui's reserved piano playing, creating a tension that captivates the listener for the entire album. "Facing Up, " the song on the album that comes closest to pop, features unusual vocal samples and a pulsating, dance-friendly beat. Before the party gets too raucous, "Brand New Wind" slows the tempo a bit, but delivers a classic, expressive Matsui performance. While WILDFLOWER may veer into electronica, it does not do so at the expense of Matsui's signature sound. Long-time fans of Keiko Matsui will enjoy listening to WILDFLOWER for its soothing, melodic jazz instrumentals, while new listeners are sure to be attracted to her fresh, contemporary sound. Recorded at Sound Dali, Yamaha Ikebukuro, H.Y., Planet Joy Studios, Tokyo, Japan in 2003. Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Masamichi Nanji, Shinobu Ishizaki (soprano saxophone); Akira Jimbo (drums, percussion); Derek Nakamoto, Hajime Hyakkoku, Heigo Yokouchi, Kazunori Miyake (programming). Audio Mixer: Tatsuhito Naruse. Recording information: H.Y. Studio (06/2003-07/2003); Planet Joy Studio, Tokyo, Japan (06/2003-07/2003); Sound Dali (06/2003-07/2003); Yamaha Ikebukuro (06/2003-07/2003). Photographer: Shuichi Tsunoda. Arrangers: Derek Nakamoto; Hajime Hyakkoku; Heigo Yokouchi; Kazunori Miyake. Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano); Shinobu Ishizaki, Masamichi Nanji (soprano saxophone); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Tomohito Aoki (bass); Akira Jimbo (drums, percussion).

1 Flashback
2 Facing Up
3 Sense Of A Journey
4 Brand New Wind
5 Eldest Of All
6 Reflections
7 White Castle
8 Temple Of Life
9 Seeker
10 Stone Circle
11 Wildflower

 “A person does not hear sound only through the ears; he hears sound through every pore of his body. 
It permeates the entire being, and according to its particular influence either slows or quickens the rhythm of the blood circulation; it either wakens or soothes the nervous system. 
It arouses a person to greater passions or it calms him by bringing him peace. According to the sound and its influence a certain effect is produced. 
Sound becomes visible in the form of radiance. 
This shows that the same energy which goes into the form of sound before being visible is absorbed by the physical body. 
In that way the physical body recuperates and becomes charged with new magnetism.”

~ Sufi Inayat’s  ~ 


” Dankbaarheid is niet alleen maar een mooie eigenschap, maar een oerkracht van de eeuwige ziel van de mens” 

  “Iedere dag: Wat goede muziek horen, uit een goed boek lezen, een mooi schilderij zien en een paar redelijke woorden spreken. [/b]

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~ 

 “Het belangrijkste van de muziek staat niet in de noten” 

 Enjoy the feeling