Although her press materials since 2000 have trumpeted her two wins as "Best Female Artist" at the National Smooth Jazz Awards, the brilliant Japanese-born keyboardist and composer is secure enough in her genius, spirituality, and vast popularity (1.2 million units sold to date) that she never limits herself to one genre. Her recent Narada albums have been a happily unpredictable mixed bag, with 2002's The Ring exploring her new age and classical influences and 2004's Wildflower going in a worldbeat direction, no doubt in ...
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Although her press materials since 2000 have trumpeted her two wins as "Best Female Artist" at the National Smooth Jazz Awards, the brilliant Japanese-born keyboardist and composer is secure enough in her genius, spirituality, and vast popularity (1.2 million units sold to date) that she never limits herself to one genre. Her recent Narada albums have been a happily unpredictable mixed bag, with 2002's The Ring exploring her new age and classical influences and 2004's Wildflower going in a worldbeat direction, no doubt in connection with her charitable efforts on behalf of the U.N.'s World Food Program in Africa. Matsui fanatics will no doubt be jumping all over maps of her homeland looking for a place called "Akendora," but it's a place of her own creation, where she runs to spend contemplative moments and find peace. Wherever it is, fans of her jazzier side are going to love this collection. It includes trademark moments of lush piano amidst big, booming percussive and orchestral drama ("Akendora's Clock"), but focuses more on spirited, even swinging jazz, both free-form (as on the busy, trumpet-laced, scratch-heavy, urban-flavored jam "Overture for the City") and ultra-smooth (the laid-back, catchy, and hooky midtempo ballad "Gentle Sands"; the fun and playful "Canvas"). Unlike most releases categorized as smooth jazz, this is infused throughout with Matsui's unexpected creative textures. "Blue Butterfly" starts out like a typical new age number before evolving into a spacy, ambient jazz exercise complete with wild piano runs and distant horn calls. Husband and producer Kazu Matsui's unique, bass-bubbling production textures on "Crystal Shadow" turn its mainstream melody into a hypnotic, thought-provoking piece. And her early genre classic "Mountain Shakedown" is given a post-millennial spruce-up, complete with trip-hop production textures, a sped-up bassline, and some extra piano improvisation. One could literally go on for days trying to verbally capture the hundreds of surprises that fill a 44-minute Matsui project. She's hard to categorize but always an innovative delight to listen to. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Fair. Disc(s) and case show moderate signs of wear and tear. All items include the original case and artwork. All items ship Mon-Fri. Disc(s) have been resurfaced using a professional-grade machine. Case shows moderate wear and tear. All items include the original case and artwork. All items ship Mon-Fri.
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item. Case and cover may or may not have wear or damage. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Size: 5x0x5; Buy from insomniacs! We dont sleep until your order is shipped! Professional packaging, same day shipping on most orders. View our feedback and buy with confidence.
