Bamboo
You've probably heard shakuhachi flute player Kazu Matsui without knowing it. He has performed on albums byRy CooderandJoni Mitchelland he's played on numerous film scores includingJumanji,Shogun,Legends of the Fall,Willow, andEmpire 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 pianistKeiko 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,Bamboomaintains a sense of spirituality and wonder that keeps it fresh and fun.--Bryan Reesman