Search - Kazu Matsui :: Bamboo

Bamboo
Kazu Matsui
Bamboo
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

You've probably heard shakuhachi flute player Kazu Matsui without knowing it. He has performed on albums by Ry Cooder and Joni Mitchell and he's played on numerous film scores including Jumanji, Shogun, Legends of the Fall...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Kazu Matsui
Title: Bamboo
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Narada
Release Date: 1/29/2002
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop
Styles: Meditation, Adult Alternative
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 724381162521, 0724381162552

Synopsis

Amazon.com
You've probably heard shakuhachi flute player Kazu Matsui without knowing it. He has performed on albums by Ry Cooder and Joni Mitchell and he's played on numerous film scores including Jumanji, Shogun, Legends of the Fall, Willow, and Empire of the Sun. On his memorable debut recording for Narada, he continues bringing an old-fashioned Japanese instrument into the present-day world, interweaving keyboards, sampled percussion (from gamelan to hand drums), and rhythm programming, plus the graceful playing of popular jazz pianist Keiko Matsui, with his skilled, dramatic playing. There's an amiable synergy between his time-honored melodic approach, Keiko's flowing performances, and the modern grooves underscoring many of the compositions. While the album does possess moments of strained contemporariness, Bamboo maintains a sense of spirituality and wonder that keeps it fresh and fun. --Bryan Reesman

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CD Reviews

WAK
Paul K. Ross | 08/04/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)

"Last year I attended a Keiko Matsui concert with a friend. I would not have gone by myself because I am not a big fan of "smooth jazz". Near the end of the concert, Kazu came out and played two pieces. I was awaked from my drowsy state by the piercing, ethereal sound of the shakuhachi. I was therefore very excited when I discovered that Kazu had recorded a CD. However, I was generally disappointed when I listened to the songs. Kazu recorded this with Keiko. Therein lies the problem. There much too much Keiko - solos, interludes, etc and not enough Kazu. The shakuhachi is too often not the focal point and barely audible. Will I throw the CD out? No, the music is worth listening to. But, my advice to Kazu is to cut the umbilical cord with Keiko. The music will be far more interesting."
A Master Steps Out of the Shadows!!
Paul K. Ross | Seattle, WA | 03/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most shakuhachi recordings are sad, meditative Zen solo pieces. These recordings show the control of the player...but the music is just for meditation and not for listening pleasure. On this album Kazu Matsui has blended the hollow, meditative sound of the shakuhachi with piano and synthesizer for a truly wonderful experience. Listen to "Up in the Sky" ...he shows great control of his flute and a melodic side that few shakuhachi players ever reveal."