If we're talking
Keiko Matsui, we can expect another impressionistic album cover which belies the often explosive music on the disc.
Matsui draws a little more from her heritage this time but textures it with soulful excursions ("Walking on the Bridge"). She once again gives radio a seductive earful while continuing her heightened exploration into more challenging orchestral sounds and several impressive, wildly percussive Latin journeys ("Sail South"). Making perfect use of
Lenny Castro's spicy percussion and
Clay Jenkins' punchy trumpet flavors,
Matsui lets loose. The gospel vocal by
Arnold McCuller is a strong one. Other newcomers to the fold are guitarist
Jorge Strunz,
Jon Clark (recorder), and
Sam Riney on sax. [The 2003 reissue of
Cherry Blossom adds one bonus track: the solo piano piece "&Crescent Night Dreams"]. ~Jonathan Widran