A world citizen, Keiko Matsui‘s striking and transcendent melodies have long sought to create ‘a oneness’ and build bridges. Her sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and mind of fans throughout the world and have allowed the petite and poetically eloquent pianist to work alongside such icons as Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James. A consummate artist, Keiko views each show and recording as a unique opportunity to connect with her audiences and for them to connect with one another. Anyone who has ever experienced one of her live shows knows that each set is an intimate invitation to become a part of her music. “We need to collectively go back and recall what connects us all…our spirits, hearts and our souls,” explains Matsui who has lent her voice to raise awareness for such causes as The Daniel Pearl and the Susan G. Komen Foundations. On February 22, 2019 Keiko Matsui will release her 28th recording as leader Echo, continuing her inspired evolution. A master storyteller, Keiko Matsui crafts passionate and emotive songs with lush harmonies and global rhythms to create timeless musical anthems.
“Spirit Dance was originally born as a song to record with my family on the road (my band). After the melody came to me, with the Brazilian flavor, I immediately thought of Gretchen Parlato who I had met on a cruise a few years ago. I was familiar with her use of voice as percussion, and the chorus section of this song seemed really made for her. Recording with her was a nice reunion, she couldn’t have been nicer and more fun to work with. We connected right off the bat, she totally got into the ‘spirit’ of the song and added such a fantastic element to it.”
Keiko Matsui
Spirit Dance is the new single by Keiko Matsui taken from her upcoming album Echo, scheduled for release on Shanachie Entertainment on Feb. 22. Along with the trusted members of her band, it features an array of guest contributors, like saxophonist Kirk Whalum, bassists Marcus Miller and Kyle Eastwood — and vocalist Gretchen Parlato, who appears here.
Smooth Jazz Life 