Category: Jazz, Blues, & New Age

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:44 Min.

This electronic jazz track was first released on Paul Hardcastle’s First Light album in 1997.  It would later resurface on Hardcastle’s The Chill Lounge (Volume 1) album in 2012.

REVIEW:

Between a bevy of synthesizer sound effects and funky choral-style chanting in the background, “First Light, Part 1” is a curious listening experience.  Its slower New Age jazz vibe resonating with European-style dance elements makes it frankly hard to define further.  The closest comparison re: “First Light, Part 1,” is that Hardcastle’s trajectory resembles a similar style of electronica associated with Jan Hammer or the late Robert Miles. This casually-paced tune is initially enjoyable in its entirety, but “First Light, Part 1” might not be an ideal choice for frequent rotation on playlists.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 4:28 Min.

As the title track off her 2011 album, The Road…, Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui teams up with saxophonist Jackiem Joyner on this instrumental jazz track.  It’s Track # 9 on the album.  

REVIEW:

Unlike the upbeat previous track (# 8: “Affirmation,” with guest saxophonist Kirk Whalum), “The Road…” is noticeably more dramatic, including some melancholic beats.  Yet, Keiko Matsui’s keyboard magic once more comes alive here – as with Whalum, her creative chemistry with Jackiem Joyner is gorgeous.  While this track easily mingles into Matsui’s extensive playlist, it’s still a “Road…” well worth taking. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 4:46 Min.

For her 2011 album, The Road…, Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui performs this instrumental jazz track.  It’s Track # 5 on the album.  

REVIEW:

Imbuing “Embrace & Surrender” with a timelessly jazzy sound, Keiko Matsui works her instrumental magic on this tune.  Further enhancing the experience for listeners is some old school blues thrown in for good measure.  Suffice to say, Matsui’s track delivers first-class entertainment for instrumental enthusiasts from any generation.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

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