Keiko Matsui is a jazz, chillout, and soft jazz veteran for well over 20 years. And after 22 projects to her name, she hasn’t stopped exploring her musical boundaries. Formally trained in Japan when she was a young child, Keiko’s progressive and imaginative keyboard style not only reflects her own culture, but a global perspective. Her recent release, “The Road”, is surely an exit from her prior recordings. This new album is more transparent, which allows her keyboard prowess to come to the acoustic forefront. It’s a cleaner sound with less ethereal layers. The influences of Bob James, Dave Grusin, and others hint at her musical offerings, but Keiko’s unique approach shines through. Joining forces with her on this album are players such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Richard Bona, James Hara and former Inside MusiCast guest Kirk Whalum, and when you get guys like them, along with Keiko’s keyboard mastery, you just can’t fail. Inside MusiCast welcomes the very talented and beautiful Keiko Matsui.