Keiko Matsui released Echo her 28th album on February 22nd by performing a spectacular concert at The Rose in Pasadena. The feelings of joy and excitement reflected in Keiko’s countenance when she introduced the album to everyone, creating a connective atmosphere for all to participate.

“Echo expresses my desire to make a more peaceful planet and that we as humans can make a difference.”

When she sat at the piano, the music flowed out of her powerful hands with intensity and precision. Matsui crafted transcendent melodies that casted an enchanting spell as she performed compositions from the newest release and other classic tunes. The band that evening consisted of her “family on the road” Jimmy Branly on drums, Rico Belled on bass and Joao Pedro Mourao on guitar, plus special guest artists – Brandon Fields, sax, Mike Cottone, trumpet, Nick Lane, trombone and Luis Conte, percussion.

I had the opportunity to talk with Keiko Matsui about recording Echo before her performance at The Rose.

Interviewed by Sheryl Aronson
Responses by Keiko Matsui

Keiko, you just released your new CD Echo.  Please talk about what went into producing this album.  Let’s start with the title.  How did you decide on the title Echo?

This is my 28th album in the United States.  I started this project last year on July 7th which is a very special day for the Japanese.  It’s called Tanabata which is the Star Festival.  According to legend, the Milky Way separates these two stars, Vega and Altair ( who represent lovers) and they can only meet once a year on July 7th.  So this is a very romantic and mystical day.  On this day last year I received a message from the universe that I wrote down in my notebook.  It was specifically about creating the music for this album.

What did the message say?

I was feeling many emotions – joy of life – being grateful for my life – love and light.  After that melodies and motifs started coming to me so it was a very special beginning.  I wanted to celebrate my musical career up to this point.  Therefore, I asked artists who played on my 1st and 2nd albums to do a reunion with them and also included the newer artists that I have been performing with.   

How did the mixture of these artists work?

I felt after we recorded the music that it was a gift from everyone’s hearts and I wanted to name the album in a very special way.  The name Echo came to me which I felt was the perfect title.

Keiko, you always seem to be inspired by the mystical connection you have with the universe which is why your music is so unique.  You have a new single out called “Spirit Dance.” 

It became #1 most added on the Billboard charts.  I was very happy.  During this time, I was in Japan for 5 weeks.  Even though I wasn’t in the United States, my new album and single were making many good waves.

“Spirit Dance” has a Brazilian, Latin feel.  You used a special vocalist on the song.  Please tell me about her.

When I received the music for “Spirit Dance” which had a Brazilian feel to it, I knew this was the perfect song for my family on the road (my band) which consisted of Jimmy Branly on drums, Rico Belled on bass and Joao Pedro Mourao, guitar.  JP Maurao is from Brazil and Jimmy Branly is from Cuba.  Because of the Brazilian flavor, I also thought of using Gretchen Parlato, who is a great vocalist.  I met her a few years ago on a jazz cruise.  I knew she used her voice like a percussion instrument and I wanted to express an instrumental song. When I developed “Spirt Dance” – the chorus section, verse/melody and 2nd chorus, I wrote for her.  I imagined her singing these sections.  I think she performed this song so perfectly.

You also have some of your other wonderful friends on this album like Marcus Miller and Kirk Whalum.

Here are the musicians who played on Echo and also played on my first album: Vinnie Colaiuta, drums, Jimmy Johnson, bass, Tim Pierce, guitar, Paul Jackson Jr., guitar, and also as a special guest artist, Robben Ford.  My newer friends are: Kirk Whalum, sax, and Marcus Miller, bass.  Marcus played on the title track, “Echo” and Kirk Whalum played on “Espirit.”

The title track “Echo” seems to mean so much to you.  Talk about why.

After I heard Marcus play on this song, I decided to make “Echo” my title track.  I also had Jimmy Branly on drums, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Ramon Stagnano on acoustic guitar. When I heard everyone’s solos, it made me cry.  The music was really heartfelt.

Where did you record the album?

I recorded the tracks at United Recording in Hollywood.  Some of the other musicians recorded their parts at other studios.  I also asked Kyle Eastwood to play on a song for me.  He had been recommended to me a while ago, so I decided to ask him to play on “Return to Eternity.”  He recorded his part in Paris where he lives.

How many songs are on Echo?

There are 10 songs.

Did you compose all the music?

Yes.  There are ten original new songs. This time I also produced the album along with my manager, Bud Harner.

You will be performing at The Rose on February 22nd.  Talk about who will be playing with you.

I will be playing with my family of the road, Jimmy Branly on drums, Rico Belled on bass and Joao Pedro Mourao, guitar.  Then my horn section will be Brandon Fields, sax, Mike Cottone, trumpet and Nick Lane, trombone.  I will be including some of my classic songs plus playing new music from Echo.  It will be a very special show.

Where else will you be performing?

I kicked off my new concert dates in Philadelphia with the Gerald Beasley band then I went to Boca Raton, Florida.  I will play a few places in California as well.  For the whole month of March, I begin my tour in Russia.  In April I will do a special show at the Berks Jazz Festival and will be collaborating with the Reading Pops Orchestra.  Then I will be doing more concerts from there.  I have no rest time. (laughing)

I know Keiko, you love performing and your audiences love hearing you play.

I am very happy to share this new music.  These songs carry a magical energy and we really feel it when we play.  I love sharing this energy with the audience.

Are there any other comments you would like to say about your new CD Echo?

Echo expresses my desire to make a more peaceful planet and that we as humans can make a difference.