Contemporary jazz artist, Keiko Matsui, will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 at Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre. Matsui has been composing and developing a taste for jazz since her early years. Drawing inspiration from a variety of classical and contemporary composers, ranging from Chopin, Mozart, and Rachmaninov to Chick Corea, and Stevie Wonder, Matsui's elegant piano melodies and jazz grooves have enormous appeal that never disappoint. With nearly 1.2 million albums sold in the United States alone, this powerful and evocative artist of jazz fusion is one of the most recognized artists in the genre. The Washington Times describes Matsui's playing as, "An intriguing passion that will go straight to the heart..."
Beginning her solo recording career with 1987's A Drop of Water, Keiko Matsui has since released nearly 20 additional albums with great success. Matsui has been recognized as Billboard's #1 Contemporary Jazz Artist and won Best Female Artist for two consecutive years at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards. In 1997 the American Society of Young Musicians honored Matsui with its Essence Award, which recognizes artists whose vitality captures "the very spirit and soul of audiences worldwide."
Matsui's latest release Shout Factory includes tracks that were recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa. Guest artists on this CD include Richard Bona, Gerald Albright, Paul Taylor and the legendary Hugh Masekela. This was one of Matsui's best selling releases and the single, "Black River" reached #3 on the radio charts and stayed on those charts for 36 weeks.
Keiko Matsui uses her music to benefit many great causes, such as her tour to raise awareness and monies for breast cancer organizations such as the Y-Me and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She has toured and donated a portion of ticket proceeds to the National Marrow Donor Program and the Marrow Foundation.
There will be a PreView lecture in the Festival Lobby 45 minutes before the show begins. PreView lectures are free, half-hour discussions presented by industry experts that provide unique insight into the performance.
This performance is sponsored by 92.9 WJZL Jazz at Wharton Center and WKAR.
Tickets are $38 with student and group discounts are available.