"Collection" (10/21/1997) Jazz Instrument Matsui, Keiko, GRP Records (USA)Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano, synthesizer, keyboards); Phil Perry (vocals); Eric Marienthal (saxophone, flute); Brandon Fields, John Crosse, Gary Meek (saxophone); Mark Hatch, Clay Jenkins, Bill Armstrong (trumpet); Steve Holtman (trombone); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Phil Ayling (English horn, recorder); Derek Nakamoto, Judd Miller, Gary Stockdale (synthesizer); Amy Shulman (harp); Grant Geissman (acoustic & electric guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr., Robben Ford, Teddy Castalucci (guitar); Abraham Laboriel, Leland Sklar, Freddie Washington, Jr., Matt Bissonette, Nathan East, Kenny Wild, Neil Stubenhaus, Jimmy Johnson (bass); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums, high hat); Tom Walsh, Art Rodriguez, Carlos Vega (drums); Michael Fisher, Lenny Castro (percussion). Engineers: Alan Hirschberg, Rob Chiarelli, Rob Seifert. Recorded at Mad Hatter Studios and Producers Workshop, Los Angeles, California; Aire L.A. Studios and Milagro Sound Recorders, Glendale, California; Studio Sound Recorders, N. Hollywood, California. Personnel: Keiko Matsui (vocals, piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Phil Perry (vocals); Paul Jackson, Jr. , Robben Ford, Teddy Castellucci (guitar); Grant Geissman (acoustic guitar); Amy Shulman (harp); Eric Marienthal (flute, saxophone); Kazu Matsui (shakuhachi); Phil Ayling (recorder, English horn); Gary Meek, Brandon Fields (saxophone); Clay Jenkins, Mark Hatch, Bill Armstrong (trumpet); Stephen Holtman (trombone); Derek Nakamoto (synthesizer); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums, hi-hat); Art Rodriguez, Tom Walsh , Carlos Vega (drums); Lenny Castro, Michael Fisher (percussion). Audio Mixers: Craig Burbidge; Dave McNair. Recording information: Aire L.A. Studios, Glendale, CA (1989-1990); Mad Hatter Studios, LA, CA (1989-1990); Milagro So (1989-1990); Studio Sound Recorders, North Hollywood, CA (1989-1990). Photographer: Robert Lewis . Arrangers: Derek Nakamoto; Gary Stockdale; Keiko Matsui. Collection is a rather unusual CD sampler in that the dozen selections by keyboardist Keiko Matsui are drawn from just two releases: Northern Lights and No Borders. As it turned out, those were Matsui's only MCA sets, and they led to her becoming a major star in the pop/jazz world. The musicianship is excellent on this CD, and the electronics have not dated too much. ~ Scott Yanow Collection is a rather unusual CD sampler in that the dozen selections by keyboardist Keiko Matsui are drawn from just two releases: Northern Lights and No Borders. As it turned out, those were Matsui's only MCA sets, and they led to her becoming a major star in the pop/jazz world. Music-wise, the tunes on this CD are generally quite lightweight. Matsui's dense keyboards make the better selections seem quite haunting, but much of the playing does not rise above the level of mood music, as if the oversized rhythm section were waiting for the main soloist to show up. The musicianship is excellent on this CD, and the electronics have not dated too much, but overall, this can just be classified as superior background music. ~ Scott Yanow