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With over a million and a half albums sold and sold out concerts around the globe, keyboardist Keiko Matsui is a citizen of the world and one of the brightest stars in instrumental music. On January 25th, Shanachie Entertainment will release The Road…, Keiko Matsui’s first new recording in four years and a follow-up to her acclaimed 2007 South African inspired Moyo.
This new self-produced opus (and 22nd album released in the U.S.) exhibits Matsui’s profound affinity for melody while effortlessly transcending boundaries; borrowing from such diverse idioms as jazz, classical, rock, blues, traditional music of the world and beyond.
From the elegant opener “Secret Pond” to the impressionistic “Falcon’s Wing, ” which shines light on the pianist’s classical influences, to Keiko’s co-writing collaborations with revered Cameroonian bassist/guitarist/vocalist/producer Richard Bona (Pat Metheny, Bobby McFerrin, Zawinul Syndicate) on both the spirited dance-inducing “Nguea Wonja” (which means to ‘take pride in the road you are traveling on your journey’) and the divine ballad “Touching Peace, ” The Road… is artfully sublime.
Over the course of nine heartfelt songs, Matsui majestically creates a distinct listening enlightenment that permeates one’s consciousness. Augmenting the intimate journey are veteran drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock) and saxophonist Kirk Whalum on the deeply moving “Awakening” with Whalum also contributing sax to the album’s lead single “Affirmation”.
The Road… stands tall as another exquisite achievement in Keiko’s masterful career. Over the course of three decades, her free spirit and creative genius have afforded her the luxury to share the stage with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis to Hugh Masakela and Bob James.
Aside from performing worldwide, Keiko (pronounced Kay-Koe means ‘happy celebratory child’ in Japanese) is an activist by nature, using her music to speak to the world while also lending her voice to causes championed by organizations like The United Nations World Food Programme, Be The Match Marrow Registry and The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation.
“Simply breathtaking.” Jazz Review
“Keiko is a brilliant performer, arranger and composer.” Bob James
“Her road, is laced with melodies and imagination that make for quite the splendid journey.” The Smooth Jazz Ride
KEIKO MATSUI - TOUR DATES (KeikoMatsui.com)
Feb 11 Boston, MA - Scullers Jazz Club
Feb 12 Boston, MA - Scullers Jazz Club
Feb 13 Londonberry, NH - Tupelo Music Hall
Feb 14 Warren, MI - Andiamo Celebrity Showroom
Feb 17 Orlando, FL - The Plaza Theatre
Feb 18 Largo, FL - Largo Cultural Center
Feb 19 Austin, TX - One World Theatre
Feb 20 The Woodlands, TX - Dosey Doe
Feb 24 Agoura Hills, CA - The Canyon Club
Feb 25 San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House
Feb 26 San Diego, CA - Anthology
Feb 27 San Diego, CA - Anthology
Mar 10 San Diego, CA - Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards
Mar 11 San Diego, CA - Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards
Mar 12 San Diego, CA - Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards
Mar 13 San Diego, CA - Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards
May 05 Seattle, WA - Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
May 06 Seattle, WA - Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
May 07 Seattle, WA - Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
May 08 Seattle, WA - Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
May 12 Washington D.C. - Blues Alley
May 13 Washington D.C. - Blues Alley
May 14 Washington D.C. - Blues Alley
May 15 Washington D.C. - Blues Alley
May 20 Harrisburg, PA - Whitaker Center
May 21 Bay Shore, NY - Boulton Center.
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