Keiko Matsui at Jazziz Nightlife

In the words of Duke Ellington, Keiko Matsui is ‘beyond category.’ The courageous, spiritually-driven and consummate pianist/composer, who enjoyed the distinction of being an invited guest and performer at the second International Jazz Day, sponsored by UNESCO and held in Istanbul transcends boundary. Her unique melting pot of musical influences have garnered her a devout international following.

Keiko Matsui celebrated the 25th Anniversary of her US recording career with her latest release Soul Quest. “Creating this album was like going on a soul quest, as I tried to figure out how to express the things I was thinking and experiencing during this past year.” “This music energizes me and I am overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to it. I hope people will allow themselves to go inside the music and become a part of my journey,” says the stunning, profound pianist and world citizen who was the first Japanese musician to ever top the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts....

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In the words of Duke Ellington, Keiko Matsui is ‘beyond category.’ The courageous, spiritually-driven and consummate pianist/composer, who enjoyed the distinction of being an invited guest and performer at the second International Jazz Day, sponsored by UNESCO and held in Istanbul transcends boundary. Her unique melting pot of musical influences have garnered her a devout international following.

Keiko Matsui celebrated the 25th Anniversary of her US recording career with her latest release Soul Quest. “Creating this album was like going on a soul quest, as I tried to figure out how to express the things I was thinking and experiencing during this past year.” “This music energizes me and I am overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to it. I hope people will allow themselves to go inside the music and become a part of my journey,” says the stunning, profound pianist and world citizen who was the first Japanese musician to ever top the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts.

Keiko tours relentlessly and seeks to make a genuine connection with her audience. “Everybody has so many things going on in their lives but my concerts are special for me. The music creates a oneness. The exchange I share with my audience is the root of my energy. It’s like my mission.” Matsui has worked alongside the best including Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masakela and Bob James. A true humanitarian, Keiko has lent her voice to raise awareness for such causes as The Daniel Pearl Foundation, The United Nations World Food Programme, Be The Match Marrow Registry and The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation. She has also lent her efforts to the continued revitalization and healing of Japan in the wake of the recent Tsunami and Fukushima disasters.

Keiko Matsui’s new recording Soul Quest, is a riveting new collection of songs that unfold like an epic journey. With an all-star cast that includes such heavyweights as producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden, guitarist Chuck Loeb, saxophonist Kirk Whalum and bassist Marcus Miller, among others, Keiko explores themes of love, loss, spirituality and environmental consciousness.
- See more at: http://www.jazziz.com/event/keiko-matsui/2015-02-24/#sthash.3XwaDgk9.dpuf

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