Piano is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Artist Keiko Matsui, and is another great one by this talented musician.
It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.
One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Keiko Matsui’s most impressive releases ever.
If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD. Overall Piano is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.
While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 1 – Presence Of The Moon, track 3 – Whisper From The Mirror, and track 5 – Light Above The Trees.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10 – See You There. Good stuff!
Piano Release Notes:
Keiko Matsui originally released Piano on May 6, 2003 on the Sony Wonder label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Presence Of The Moon
2. Water Lily
3. Whisper From The Mirror
4. Between The Moons
5. Light Above The Trees
6. Doll
7. Beyond The Light
8. Trees
9. Forever, Forever
10. See You There
11. Dawn
12. Distance
13. Be With Me
Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano); Derek Nakamoto (programming). Recorded at Power House Studio, Tokyo, Japan.
By: Tom Milson
I can describe the latest release from Smooth Jazz sensation Pamela Williams for you with just one word… Outstanding!
Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Elixir. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
If you’re a Pamela Williams fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of Williams, or even Smooth Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.
While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tracks are Forbidden Fruit [track 1], A Jam For Pam [track 4], and Give Me What You Got [track 10].
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10, Rise. Good stuff!
Elixir Release Notes:
Pamela Williams originally released Elixir on Mar 21, 2006 on the Shanachie label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Forbidden Fruit
2. Elixir
3. Positive Vibe
4. A Jam For Pam
5. A Toast To Eternity
6. In The Cut
7. Say Yes
8. Rejuvination
9. Give Me What You Got
10. Rise
Personnel: Adam Rogers, Robert Cunningham (guitar); David Mann (saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Pam Williams (tenor saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Alphonso McDuffie (keyboards).
By: Clyde Lee Dennis