Keiko Matsui Interview Page 4

KM:  Yeah, it is exciting and also, I think, for the band members it’s challenging too.  Some parts are very unique because of the African musicians.

Smitty:  Yes, absolutely.  Well, Keiko, I must say that this is one of the top albums that I’ve heard so far this year.

KM:  Thank you.

Smitty:  And I just know that you’re going to be embraced around the world with this great music, as always.

KM:  Oh, thank you so much.  That means a lot.

Smitty:  Yes, and on behalf of everyone everywhere, I just want to say thank you for your remarkable strength, your caring spirit, and for continuing to do what you do making such marvelous music.

KM:  Oh, thank you so much.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.

KM:  And this time the album will be released first in the U.S. So I’m telling all my friends in Japan to please get Moyo from the U.S.

Smitty:  Yes, that’s a nice change and this is a special record too in that this is the first record that you produced yourself.

KM:  Yes, yes, right, so very special to me in my life.

Smitty:  Yes, was that something that you really looked forward to doing?  Producing the one yourself?

KM:  No, this is because the situation became different.

Smitty:  Yeah.

KM:  And just when I started thinking about the concept and to go to South Africa to start recording, I was just thinking about the tunes and how to record and where, and then I realized that, oh, maybe this time it is a great opportunity for me to produce my album, for the first time.

Smitty:  And you did it and it’s great.

KM: Thank you.

Smitty:  How ‘bout that?

KM:  Yeah, that was quite an experience and also, I felt like, this is so special and while writing down the credits, I mean, all the people who supported this album….it was like movie credits.  (Both laugh.)  Yeah, I was joking to my manager, it’s like South African unit and American unit and Japanese unit, and it became a big project and it’s so special to me.

Smitty:  Yes and now you’ve finished it, it’s very impressive and it’s going to be released April 24th.

KM:  Right.

Smitty:  And now you can enjoy getting out and playing some of it live and listening to all the wonderful comments about it now.

KM:  It’ll be great.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  Well, I know radio will embrace this record because it’s too good for them not to.

KM:  Oh, thank you so much.

Smitty:  Yes.  Well, enjoy your time in the Ukraine.

KM: I will, thank you!

Smitty:  And I look forward to seeing you when you come back to the U.S.

KM:  Yeah, yeah.

Smitty:  Yeah, we’ll have to definitely get together when you come in to do a live show.

KM:  Yes, yes, so please let us know when you can come.

Smitty:  Okay, I certainly will.

KM:  Great.

Smitty: We’ve been talking with the incredible and amazing Keiko Matsui.  She’s about to release a fascinating new record on April 24th.  It’s called Moyo.  This one is a must for your CD player.  I must tell you that you will thoroughly enjoy this great record.  Keiko, thank you once again and look forward to seeing you later on in the year.

KM:  Okay, great. Me too.

Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

For More Information Visit www.keikomatsui.com and www.shoutfactory.com and www.myspace.com/keikomatsuimusic.