Keiko Matsui Wildflower CD

Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano); Shinobu Ishizaki, Masamichi Nanji (soprano saxophone); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Tomohito Aoki (bass); Akira Jimbo (drums, percussion).
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, Heigo Yokouchi, Kazunori Miyake, Hajimi Hyakkoku (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; Heigo Yokouchi; Kazunori Miyake; Hajimi Hyakkoku.
The spiritual and charitable-minded Japanese keyboardist, who blends ethereal new age textures with a rich soul-jazz sensibility better than anyone, is in top form on her 14th studio release. Like its recent predecessors on Narada Jazz, the CD features songs that are all about the landscape between subtlety and drama, elegant piano melodies and improvisations, dramatic flute and sax harmonies, and rich ambiences dense with percussion. Tying in perfectly with her current humanitarian work with United Nations World Food Program (WFP) efforts in Africa (most of her recent albums have tied into some charitable or health cause), the collection features subtle worldbeat threads throughout. "Flashback" features a gentle, classical-flavored piano melody over a gently throbbing bassline, before Matsui does some dramatic improvisations over dense, exotic percussion textures. "Facing Up" is quintessential graceful Matsui up until the feisty, machine-generated wall of polyrhythmic drums (which she simply dances over). "Sense of a Journey" is a little more smooth jazz-centered in spots, but later goes on a film score-like orchestral tangent. The intro to "Reflections" is low-key but decidedly African jungle in vibe, while the sweeping "Temple of Life" features hints of sitar, vocal choirs, and chanting beyond the orchestral flair. The closing title track is probably the most restrained piece production-wise, but also one of the most memorable melodically; its royalty proceeds will benefit the WFP, her latest charity. Matsui is always so consistent that it's hard to decide if one album ever tops another, but like most albums in her catalog, Wildflower is irresistible in its execution of incredible dynamics throughout. ~ Jonathan Widran
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.