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
Paul Hardcastle, the richly talented Smooth Jazz artist has released his latest CD titled Hardcastle 4 and Wow! It’s really a good one.
I wish it weren’t the case but, 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 Hardcastle 4. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Hardcastle 4 has a pleasantly varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist.
Paul Hardcastle is one of those musicians that it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.
Overall Hardcastle 4 is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Smooth Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.
While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2, Freefall, track 3, Smooth Jazz Is Bumpin, track 4, Keeping It Real.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9, Where Are You Now. Outstanding!
Hardcastle 4 Release Notes:
Paul Hardcastle originally released Hardcastle 4 on Jul 12, 2005 on the Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Serene
2. Freefall
3. Smooth Jazz Is Bumpin
4. Keeping It Real
5. Moments In Time
6. Was It Love
7. Midnight Moon
8. Eastern Winds
9. Where Are You Now
10. Straight Ahead
11. Time To Reflect
12. Journey Of The Lost Tribes
13. Untitled – (hidden track)
Personnel: Paul Hardcastle (keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Maxine Hardcastle (vocals); Adam Drake (guitar); Snake Davis, Scott Brooker (saxophone).
By: Clyde Lee Dennis