Customer Reviews

White Owl (Bonus Dvd)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had the good fortune to attend a Keiko Matsui concert just a few months before this one in Tokyo. In the Chicago area in March 2002. The same band members played. It was one of the best live music events I've yet attended. And I love this new CD/DVD because it captures the same excitement as the concert I attended.

More than that, it is produced with loving care. The images are razor sharp and the audio is studio quality. And it is just a very remarkable performance I believe.

Keiko Matsui is one of the rare artists whose music seems to be even better in live concert that on CD. Some of these tunes she has played innumerable times, at nearly every concert in fact. But listen to the new energy in "Across The Sun". It was a good song when it appeared on her DEEP BLUE CD. But her concert performance is really superior. I give Michael Ghegan a lot of credit here, as his alto sax really sizzles on this tune. "Doll" has been in Keiko's repertoire since 1994. The concert version is much similar, but there is a slight change in the rhythm accents that really make it almost nearly a new piece.

That is what live concerts are supposed to be anyway, and this one is highly rated.

this is a wonderful collection of music from Keiko. If you are just gettin into her music this is the cd to start with. It also comes with a dvd, with the white owl concert, and road movies. If you do not have the oppurtunity to see Keiko live this is a nice concert from Tokyo. The road movies are also very intersting because it is a behind the sceen look at Keiko Kazu and their band. Recommend this cd to any of your friends it is really worth it.

This CD/DVD combo is great. The reason I did not give 5 stars is because I thought the sound quality of the DVD is not as good as it should have been. In this concert, seems that Keiko tried to balance between the old and new songs. New songs are mostly come from 'The Ring' and 'Deep Blue'. I like Keiko's piano myself but having Alberto Del Almar as the guitar player is most welcome. His presence gives keiko's song an extra dimension. As far as concert performance, I thought 'The White Gate' and 'Mystic River' really cool to watch. Overall, this CD/DVD combo really a good buy.

This is my second favorite Keiko Matsui CD. Sapphire is still the best to me. The music is truly wonderful. Alberto de Almar is a great guitarist. Michael Ghegan is realy super on the sax. The rest of the band is simply awesome.

I found the DVD to be a more enjoyable viewing to the BET DVD. The only problems were with some of the subtitling. They should have edited the English with more care. But, I'll forgive them, due to the wonderful performance by all the members of Keiko Matsui's ensemble.

I wish they would do a few more combo's like this one. Just can't get enough of this talented lady, her husband and band.

I think that this cd is absolutly wonderful. The concert is great because you get see that she and her band are putting their all into the music that they make unlike many musicians around now days.

"White Owl" is a special two-disc set (CD & DVD) of pianist Keiko Matsui performing live in concert at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo, 2002. As always, most of her compositions are grand, sweeping and evocatively poignant, carrying the listener along in a swift, darkly luscious current of intensity, emotion and spirited improvisation. There is growth, direction and carefully crafted purpose to her music that is blessedly welcome in a day and age when so much new music seems either banal, derivative, or just plain unmusical. Matsui is joined in this performance by Michael Ghegan on a wickedly wailing saxophone, Mel Brown on some pretty lively bass, Jonathan Dresel on drums, Alberto De Almar on some impressive flamenco guitar, and husband and producer Kazu Matsui on the wonderfully mysterious shakuhachi. I am not certain if audiences in Japan are just quietly respectful, or if the cheers and shouts normally heard in live recordings were edited out of the CD, but aside from a smattering of applause at the end of selections, there is no crowd noise to mar or otherwise interrupt the audio performances. I recognize at least some of the songs on "White Owl" as being from previous releases. But the DVD, at a generous 105 minutes, not only contains all the songs heard on the CD, but one extra performance piece ("Mystic Dance"), selections from tours in four different countries, and a promotional video as well. Keiko Matsui's music is a bargain at any price, but this two-disc set is particularly worthwhile, and a good introduction to her work for those not familiar with it. For other spirited live performances, albeit in different musical styles, try also "Live in Montreal" by Jesse Cook (neo-flamenco), "Live in Spain" by Skyedance (modern Celtic), and "Live Wizardry" by Silly Wizard (traditional Celtic).

This is the first CD I have bought by this artist and I really enjoyed it. I am quite sure I will be buying more of her music. I first watched and listened to the concert on DVD then I listened to the CD the next day. I tried to find something wrong, something I would not likeabout this CD but was unable to so. I thought that every song on the CD/DVD was very good. Some are just nice to listen to while you think, others make you happy to be alive to enjoy it. Keep up the good music Keiko....

If you like piano, and electeric piano you will love this dvd and cd, I waited to long to get this one.

I have been a Keiko Matsui fan for a long time and have seen her in concert. This CD is fabulous, not your typical "live" recording, this has very muted background applause (see a review below). If you're a fan, buy it, if not, buy it and you will be.

This is a lively cd from pianist/composer Keiko Matsui, a concert recording made in Tokyo. A DVD is also included. There are no vocals and some of the compositions have something in common with classical music. Most tracks are quite intense and have natural theme. Great music to start the day.