Customer Reviews

Sapphire

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Keiko really hit it with this album. The entire album is melodically intriguing and elegant as all of her albums are, but has a couple of hits that are a cut above to top it off. If you are not familiar with Keiko Matsui, she is a classically trained pianist who takes elegant classical melodies and combines them with the advernturousness of jass and the funkiness of funk in creating her own music. The result is phenomenal. If you are not familiar with Keiko Matsui buy this album. It will be the best $14 you've spent in a while.

That's all I have to say. All of the tracks are incredible. They each have a different feel and can take the listener on wild adventures. Many songs like "Safari" and "Dragon Wings" are very light and bouncy. Then there are songs like "Mission" which is very eerie and gothic. I think I am addicted.
(Some may recognize the piano solo "Longing" as "Mask" on Dreamwalk.)

Keiki Matsui sucessfully brings together both classical and jazz music in this album my implementing both instrumental songs AND oral words into her music. A "must have" Cd for those who enjoy relaxing on the beach for hours watching the ocean, and listening to music. Bravo!

My son purchased this particular item for me several years ago. I used to play it at intermissions during a course I taught at a local hospital, "Service Excellence." Many people came to me and asked who the artist was because they loved the music.

Over the years, I've ordered several more of Keiko Matsui's albums. They are a wecome diversion from television when I'm working on the computer. They are so peaceful, yet beautiful. My mother was a concert pianist, and I have always had tremendous admiration for the true artists at the piano. I heartily recommend all her albums. She said that the goal of her music was to bring more peace to the world for her children. What a laudable and worthy goal. I intend to order more of her albums in the future.

"No Borders" was the title of one of Keiko's earliest CDs. That really does explain her music about as well as anything. There is a touch of everything, but mostly this is a well produced CD with fine arrangements by Derek Nakamoto of some really engaging songs. This was also the last Keiko Matsui album to feature a vocalist, and this one contains one by Karla Bonoff. By turns, this album rocks, swings, trips and sends you into another place entirely. Don't be late.

It's now been a decade since the original release of "Sapphire." Matsui's music has energy and passion that grabs our attention and rivets our focus. The bright opener "Safari" is followed by Keiko's lovely piano on "Bouncing Bougainvillea." Valerie Carter, one of the Linda Ronstadt-era vocalists from the 70s, joins on vocals on "Don't Turn On the Light," "Discover these uncharted worlds that hide in you." "Mission" has a pretty piano melody punctuated by seagulls and Indian touches. Karla Bonoff joins for vocals on "Tears from the Sun" in a lovely wistful track with some delightful percussion. "Dragon Wings" is as delightfully lively as watching a dragonfly in motion. "Sapphire" is an excellent set that hold up well a decade after its initial release. Enjoy!

I heard Keiko's name mentioned by an aquaintance, a boss, a woman in restaurant. So on a whim I picked up this album and was very pleased. I didn't even know that I knew some of the music on the CD. I didn't even think I liked 'New Age' Jazz, but this is different. It's sort of edgy while relaxing. This isn't really a review about the music but a praise of the album. My words wouldn't really do the music justice. Please add this album to your good music collection.

This is the "must" for everyone who loves beautiful music. Keiko's piano just shines! Her music cleanse your mind and relax you after a long stressful day. Garden is my favourit even though it reminds me of someone else. It is a good example of East meets West. I strongly recommend this album if you enjoy fusion.

This cd is a "must have." Each track is beautiful. You can't go wrong with anything by Keiko Matsui. She is truely a gifted artist and her music can be listened to and enjoyed over and over. She is the absolute BEST!

This is the fourth album by Keiko Matsui that I have purchased. She is an incredible pianist and I thoroughly enjoy listening to all her music.