Kazu Matsui presents a sterling collection of songs recorded over a five-year period in the '80s at a time when he was perfecting a sound then known as quiet storm. The 16 tracks on Pioneer feature guest appearances by such well-known artists as Paul Jackson, Jr., Eric Marienthal, Robben Ford and his award-winning spouse, pianist Keiko Matsui. The recording also features a variety of vocalists on 15 of the tracks who infuse new life into such songs as "Sunset and the Minstrel" and {...   [ read more ]

CD $9.48

If we're talking Keiko Matsui, we can expect another impressionistic album cover which belies the often explosive music on the disc. Matsui draws a little more from her heritage this time but textures it with soulful excursions ("Walking on the Bridge"). She once again gives radio a seductive earful while continuing her heightened exploration into more challenging orchestral sounds and several impressive, wildly percussive Latin journeys ("Sail South"). Making perfect use of Lenny Castro'...   [ read more ]

CD $8.54