Keiko Matsui › Dream Walk [Bonus Tracks]

Includes 3 bonus tracks.

Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano, keyboards); Molly Pasutti (vocals); Paul Taylor (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi);

Derek Nakamoto (keyboards, synthesizer, bass, programming); Bernie Dresel (drums, percussion); Rob Chiarelli (programming).

Recorded at Poi Dog Studios, Santa Monica, California and Pacifique Studio, North Hollywood, California in 1996. Includes liner notes by Jonathan Widran.

Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano, keyboards); Molly Pasutti (vocals); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Derek Nakamoto (keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming); Bernie Dresel (drums, percussion); Rob Chiarelli (drum programming).

Audio Mixer: Joel Stoner.

Liner Note Author: Jonathan Widran.

Recording information: Pacifique Studio, North Hollywood, CA; Poi Dog Studios, Santa Monica, CA.

Photographer: Julie Dennis.

Arranger: Derek Nakamoto.

Taking a stroll through Keiko Matsui's musical hypnotherapy session Dream Walk is like entering a funhouse where all previous definitions of contemporary jazz are strikingly distorted, and invention walks on the wild side of East meets West. Crisp melodies have always been at the heart of the keyboardist's best work, only here they come at you as part of the mood, rather than the central theme. Only a handful of the keyboardist's tunes follow conventional linear melodic patterns throughout, and even these are so beautifully enhanced by sweeping orchestral and percussive invention that atmosphere and throbbing, raw twists ultimately win out over predictability. Equal credit for the newly aggressive approach goes to husband/producer Kazu Matsui, whose sonic wizardry surrounds Keiko's silky jazz and new age passageways with curious echoing flavors, enticing soundscapes where almost anything goes, and loose-fitting urban cool. Other out-there touches include Molly Pasutti's sweeping wordless vocals, bass samples by Marcus Miller and John Patitucci chosen over live bass, and Kazu's own shakuhachi. More typical excitement is provided by Paul Taylor's always warm soprano and alto musings. ~ Jonathan Widran

Genre:

• Jazz

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Piano