LAST PERFORMANCE AT ARTURO’S:

KEIKO MATSUI

Keyboardist extraordinaire, Keiko Matsui, has been called an icon of contemporary and new-age jazz.  Her playing is introspective and elegant, yet pulsates with power, while boldly blending Western and Eastern musical influences.  Since embarking on a solo recording career in the mid-1980s, the Tokyo native has recorded over 20 albums, making her one of the world’s most sought after pianists.  Over the years, Matsui’s recordings have consistently topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Charts, earning her   some of the industry’s most coveted honors, including Billboard’s Top Indie Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year, National Smooth Jazz Award for Best Long-Form Video Achievement, and Best Female Artist in 2000 and 2001.  Matsui latest CD, “Moyo” (Heart & Soul), was released in April of this year.  

ALEX BUGNON

Alex Bugnon has been called one of the world's best contemporary jazz keyboardists. His music boldly embraces an incredible blend of soulful and funky jazz, while creatively taking on a sultry mixture of R&B and gospel grooves. Over the last two decades, the keyboardist extraordinaire has worked with such music luminaries as Earth Wind and Fire, Patti Austin and James Ingram. As a leader, Bugnon has recorded nine albums, many of which have placed high on national and international music charts, including Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz and Billboard’s R&B Charts. In addition, Bugnon’s albums have been twice nominated for “Best Jazz Album” at the prestigious Soul Train Awards. His latest album, FREE, is a magnificent reminder of why Alex Bugnon is one of the premier, contemporary keyboardists in the business.