A Drop of Water

Untitled

A Drop of Water is the debut album by Keiko Matsui from 1987. The album was also released in 1993 and then 1997 adding a bonus track for the previous album.

The original cover showed some colored pictures of Keiko Matsui with some other thing. The other released cover showed Keiko Matsui reaching for the Sun in the blue sky.

Review

This auspicious introduction to the many aspects of the composer's skills finds her surrounded by a slew of L.A.'s top players, some of whom had yet to begin their own solo careers at this point: Grant Geissman, Brandon Fields, Robben Ford, Nathan East, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Jimmy Johnson. Matsui balances a mystic Eastern edge with a lighthearted new agey pop appeal. "Ancient Wind" and the Geissman co-composition "Mediterranean Sea" are the best cuts, building from pastoral ideas into an explosive ensemble hook. Matsui also showed her penchant for soulful vocal pieces, using Abu Khalil and Marva King to varying effectiveness. The emotional vocal title cut was inspired by Challenger astronaut Ron McNair.

Personnel

• Keiko Matsui: Piano, Keyboards
• Kazu Matsui: Shakuhachi
• Brandon Fields: Saxophone
• Walt Flower: Flugelhorn
• Susie Katayama: Cello
• David Garfield: Piano, Synthesizers
• Derek Nakamato: Synthesizers
• Grant Geissman: Guitar
• Robben Ford: Guitar
• Nathan East: Bass
• Vinnie Coliauta: Drums
• Micheal Fisher: Percussion

Track listing

• 1. "Ancient Wind" (Keiko Matsui) - 6:22
• 2. "Light Above the Trees" featuring Marva King (Keiko Matsui) - 4:48
• 3. "Harbor Wind" (Jeff Day/Keiko Matsui) - 5:40
• 4. "Mediterranean Sea" (Grant Geissman/Keiko Matsui) - 4:20
• 5. "A Drop of Water" feat. Carl Anderson (Jeff Day/Keiko Matsui) - 5:24
• 6. "From My Window" (Keiko Matsui) - 5:10
• 7. "Only Way Home" (Keiko Matsui) - 3:07
• 8. "Fairy" feat. Carl Anderson (Kim Dodgson/Keiko Matsui) - 4:34
• 9. "Paper Spirit" feat. Molly Patussi (Jeff Day)