Customer Reviews

Piano

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Whenever a new Keiko Matsui album comes out, I can hardly wait to get it home to start peeling the wrapping off. And the moment it slips into the machine, I am swept away with the incredible emotional quality of her music. Having seen her live, I know she is an incredible musician, but often her talent on the keyboards is hidden by the simple sound of her music that is actually fairly complex in its implementation. They say that in order for it to look easy, it takes a lot of hard work, and such is very true for Keiko.

"Piano" is an incredible change of pace for this talented composer. In a way, this album is like what older artists do once in a while, and that is go back to their roots. The synthesized music enhances her songs, but hearing them played expertly and simply on the piano - wow! It's like listening to a new song.

"Doll" and "Whisper from the Mirror" are both favorites of mine, and to hear them played this way with all the "excess" gone, they are even more wonderful than before. I have a new perspective on the songs. And a new appreciation and respect for Keiko's talent.

Sometimes artists get so caught up in all the "fill" to make them sound cooler or better, and few pay attention to the detail in the straight composition. My husband, who introduced me to Keiko's music over ten years ago, loves this album and we play it during dinner and quiet times frequently. I'm going to give it as a Holiday present this year for several friends who will love this.

This is truly a showcase CD for Keiko, revealing all her talents.

This is an awesome CD! I play piano myself and love listening to pianists who compose their own straight - solo - piano, and Ms. Matsui has created an OUTSTANDING MASTERPIECE in this cd! A friend, who also plays and composes for the piano - heard this cd playing and was also intriqued. He thanked me profusely after I gave him a copy for Christmas and he had listened to it. He thinks its awesome, too. I would compare Matsui's music to Kostia, another artist who writes for the piano. (If you like this cd, check out Kostia's cd's, too.) I have listened to Matsui's other cd's and, to my disappointment, find they are mostly highly electronic and orchestrated. I WISH Ms. Matsui would do more SOLO PIANO cds. In my opinion, it is more impressive to have solo piano and have it sound this good. There are so many artists out there today who are producing new age cd's with so much orchestration. Ms. Matsui is a rare and unique talent whether doing music with accompaniment or not, I hope she will do more solo piano works. She is a stand out. If you love solo piano, you must listen to this cd! The music is phenomenal.

Another of this talented pianist's CDs. Enjoyable background music and relaxing when you are stressed.

On the heels of a repackaging assortment of Keiko's older works, aptly named Collection (and barely two years old), here comes another compilation of old tracks, now titles Piano.

This time, however, they're all played on piano (no lead synthesizer parts), and are rearranged with more acoustic, philarmonic support parties, which give the familiar works a more somber, classic sound. Less New Age, more Chamber touch. Insidentally, however, it makes some tracks lose their poignance. As an example, Presence of the Moon doesn't sound as brooding anymore, and Whisper From The Mirror sounds much more abstract and quite less mysterious.

Which may be a good thing for Keiko Matsui's chronologists and critics, with some new inerpretations of the great old works to chew on, but in my own humble opinion, the original works sounded better.

I just wish Keiko came up with some new material that wouldn't disappoint as much as most recent The Ring album!!

If you are looking for nice music to accompany a fusion meal - this is the perfect CD. The music flows in a sweet patter of lovely sound, a Keith Jarret without the edges and sudden bumps, a carpet of well played and expressive melody and a Japanese touch. The music itself is rather faceless and molds itself upon certain repeated formulas, but that is not necessarily a fault. Once in the atmosphere of this, you feel naked when the music stops,so deep are you drawn to this world of sweet and tropical drizzle.

Keiko Matsui is an Amazing Artist. Her music is Magical and moves you through
a plethora of visions, emotions and feelings. Her Music is unique,a mix of Jazz, Pop and classic. When I have a "creative Block" from time to time, I put on one of her CD's and I get my creative insight back. I usually play her CD's
when I know my clients are coming to my studio. I was looking on Amazon.com
trying to find a friend's new album to read the reviews.I then clicked on the type of music I like, and I found Keiko Matsui. I am so happy that this site lets us hear the music to see if we like it. I bought three of her CD's and will buy more of her CD's.

Hi everyone,
I brought this cd for my husband because he is taking piano lessons and he likes certain cds with the piano instrument only. I never brought Ms. Matsui cd and because I am too a fan of the piano, I wanted to try her cd. To my suprise, I liked it and so did my husband. I would definitely will be buying more of her cds. I also want to see her in concert.

I heard an excerpt from this CD on the radio and immediately purchased it.
The entire CD is terrific; Both soothing unaccompanied piano and some adventurous accompanied pieces. I hope Keiko gets the recognition she deserves. 2 thumbs up on this one !

First let me apologize, as I won't rate anything with a perfect five stars. But to rate it at four stars is saying something. I really like Keiko's music. It is an easy listening mix of fusion and jazz. It is great to listen to when I want to unwind during a hectic day. I would recommend it to everyone who is tired of the funk that is being produced today that others call music. Matter of fact, I have recommended it to others and they have bought Keiko's music for themselves as well.

From the very first track I got captured by the magical notes coming from Keiko's piano. To me, this album is like a dreamy soundtrack for a japanese movie, something like Spirited away. I can imagine myself going thu a green forest, climbing a sacred mountain or looking a shining frozen lake. Don't get me wrong, I don't think this is background music. Each note, each detail, each tempo change is intentionated and played soulfully, and you have to be focused to perecevie these subtle changes and rythm variations. I'm not a pianist but I can say when some one is good.

"The piano" by Keiko matsui is a good example of what I expect from an artist: To be technically skilled, be honest with his art, and play with the heart. I'm giving this CD a 5 star rating beacuse it deserves it. Keiko, you have a new fan here. Highly recommended.

PS: Just a little recommendation that worked great fro me. If you got a home theater, use the HALL (reverb) function to enhance the "ambience" of the songs. Listen to it with a pair of good headhones too, you'll get surprised !