Japanese-born pianist and composer Keiko Matsui is a worldwide icon in contemporary smooth jazz, touring relentlessly and bringing her music to virtually every corner of the globe. Known for her original compositions, Matsui’s music transcends boundaries, creating a unique melting pot of musical influences that has earned her a devout and enthusiastic international audience. A consummate artist freely at home in any musical context, she borrows from such diverse idioms as jazz, classical, rock, blues, and traditional world music to create timeless, passionate and emotional melodies that speak a universally appealing language.

Matsui made her US recording debut with “Drop of Water” in 1987 and was twice named Best Female Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. Of the 20 albums she has released, seven have appeared in the contemporary jazz Top 10 including “Deep Blue,” which reached number one in 2001. Her release, “Soul Quest,” celebrated her 25th anniversary in the music business and was acclaimed by The Washington Post as “one of her most accomplished and appealing.” Over the years, Matsui has collaborated and shared the stage with numerous musical luminaries, including Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and Bob James.

“Music that celebrates and elevates the human spirit, with a playful melodic sense of innocence and a youthful energy.”
— Jazz Monthly