Keiko Matsui - No Borders

One of the spiritual minded, jazz meets mystical keyboardist's best early efforts, helping her bridge from pure Eastern tinged new age music into gently funky smooth jazz. With styles ranging from R&B (the Eric Marienthal punched "Light in the Rain") and fusion, to Medieval Folk music ("In the Mist," "Three Silhouettes"), and her trademark new age ("The Wind and the Wolf"), there are certainly no borders on this collection. Matsui's sense of melody keeps on growing, her improvisational soloing is spectacular (especially on "Kappa"), yet doesn't alienate her powerful core of backing musicians, including guitarist Robben Ford and violinist Subramanium. Husband Kazu Matsui's production is once again impeccable, as is his playful and wistful shakuhachi flute playing. Phil Ayling's recorder and oboe on the medieval tunes are also highlights. Keiko's beautiful writing however, is what holds the marvelous collection together. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alan Hirshberg Engineer Bill Armstrong Trumpet Bill Meyers Arranger, Synthesizer Carlos Vega Drums Clay Jenkins Trumpet, Flugelhorn Craig Burbidge Mixing Dave McNair Mixing Deborah Waknin Stylist Derek Nakamoto Synthesizer, Synthesizer Strings, Arranger Eric Marienthal Flute, Saxophone Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington Bass Gary Meek Saxophone Gary Stockdale Arranger, Synthesizer Grant Geissman Guitar Greg Walker Vocals Jeff Adamoff Art Direction Jimmy Johnson Bass Joe Meyer French Horn Joel Peskin Saxophone Kazu Matsui Producer, Shakuhachi Keiko Matsui Keyboards L. Subramaniam Violin Leland Sklar Bass Lenny Castro Percussion Maxi Anderson Vocals (Background) Michael Diehl Design Michael Fisher Percussion Nathan East Bass Neil Stubenhaus Bass Pat Kelly Guitar Paul Jackson, Jr. Guitar Phil Ayling Oboe, Horn (English), Recorder Phil Perry Vocals Randee Saint Nicholas Photography Ricky Schultz Executive Producer Rob Chiarelli Engineer Rob Seifert Engineer Robben Ford Guitar Stephen Holtman Trombone Stephen Marcussen Mastering Suzie Katayama Accordion, Cello Terence Finnigan Make-Up, Hair Stylist Tom Walsh Drums Vinnie Colaiuta Drums