Recently, the noted keyboardist and composer Keiko Matsui stopped by WBGO Studios to perform a brief set of compositions from her recently released album Euphoria. Matsui was in town for a concert at Sony Hall in New York City. The album, released on the Shanachie label, features several all-star special guests including Lalah Hathaway, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Kirk Whalum, Joel Ross, Gregoire Maret and John Beasley, as well as her touring band of bassist Rico Belled, guitarist JP Mourao and drummer Jimmy Branly. The album was co-produced by Bud Harner, a noted producer and manager of many Smooth Jazz artists.
Rather than bring the whole band into the studio for this special session hosted by WBGO’s Rob Crocker, Matsui opted to play our Steinway piano solo, accompanied by pre-recorded tracks from the album.
Watch her performance and their conversation here:
Listen to a cut fromEuphoriawhich was featured on WBGO’s New Day, New Play March 27-31.