The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz artist Keiko Matsui has released her CD entitled Deep Blue. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Keiko Matsui fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Deep Blue Keiko Matsui's artistic excellence is on full display as Matsui has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be her best work to date.



The CD launches with an outstanding track, Deep Blue, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

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 Deep Blue. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

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.

Deep Blue is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are her own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.

If you're a Keiko Matsui fan, or just a fan of Smooth Jazz music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 - Water For The Tribe, track 3 - Across The Sun, and track 8 - Crescent Night Dream.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9 - To The Indian Sea. Great track!

Deep Blue Release Notes:

Keiko Matsui originally released Deep Blue on July 17, 2001 on the Narada label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Deep Blue 2. Water For The Tribe 3. Across The Sun 4. Trees 5. Mediterranean Eyes 6. Rose In Morocco 7. Moonflower 8. Crescent Night Dream 9. To The Indian Sea 10. Mystic Dance

Personnel includes: Keiko Matsui (piano); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Derek Nakamoto (synthesizer, programming). Engineers include: Derek Nakamoto, Craig Burbidge, David Keonig. Principally recorded at Bindu Studios, Santa Monica, California.