Keiko Matsui has been a heavy hitter in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite a while now and Ring is an excellent illustration as to why.

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 is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it's own.

Ring opens with an outstanding track, Steps Of Maya, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It's a really nice track. Grabbing your attention right from the start of the CD and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song, Precious Time.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to Ring and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Keiko Matsui's piano is in top form. Of particular note on this offering is her amazing rendition of Venus Of The Sea.

If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD. Overall Ring 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 some of my favorites are Steps Of Maya - track 1, Venus Of The Sea - track 2, and The Next Plateau - track 5.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Deity In The Silence. Wow!

Ring Release Notes:

Keiko Matsui originally released Ring on Oct 01, 2002 on the Narada label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Steps Of Maya 2. Venus Of The Sea 3. Moon Circle 4. Prism 5. The Next Plateau 6. Messenger 7. Deity In The Silence 8. The Ring 9. White Owl 10. Precious Time

Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano); Alberto De Almar (Flamenco guitar); Derek Nakamoto (synthesizer, bass, percussion, programming); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi). Recorded at Poi Dog Music, Los Angeles, California and at Tai Studio, Tokyo, Japan.