Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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This stellar work contains the elements of classical music combined with the influences of both Matsui and James thus creating a work that is partially written and partially improvised adding a lovely depth of feeling and intimate connection of artistic expression. The title of this piano duet release, Altair & Vega, refers to a Japanese folkloric tale about two stars in the galaxy that cross paths only once a year. The bonus DVD of a concert the two performed in 2010 in Pittsburgh at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild clearly reveals a shared admiration and respect.

If Grammy winner Bob James is considered one of the most prolific contemporary pianist/composers of our time then Keiki Matsui is right on his heels. With Altair & Vega, James and Matsui present a dazzling display on the four-hands piano tradition established in the 18th and 19th centuries. This contemporary spin is based on a Japanese folkloric tale about the seventh day of the seventh month, Altair and Vega are two stars in the galaxy that pass each other only once a year. Originally this tale came from China which was later combined with Japanese tradition. As Matsui states in the press release, "We write one's wish and prayer on origami and hang it from the bamondero grass. We decorate bamboo with origami under the sky for an evening. For us, July 7th is a special day with romantic feeling."

Simplistic in presentation this layered approach of arrangements runs from Matsui's previously recorded pieces such as "Midnight Stone" and "Invisible Wing" to a captivating arrangement of J.S. Bach's "Chorale from Canata BWV 147." The four-hands technique requires a harmonious union of musical thought, each player completing the others musical thoughts and sharing the direction each piece takes. The origin of this project came over a decade ago when James composed a piece he titled "Altair & Vega" specifically with Keiko Matsui in mind. The initial piece was recorded and released on James' Dancing On The Water. Matsui soon returned the favor with "Ever After" which appears on her release Whisper from the Mirror.

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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Bob James & Keiko Matsui - Altair & Vega (2011)

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