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|... Read more

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 Sand|} 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|}. [The 2003 reissue of [Drop of Water] includes a bonus track: {|Mystic Dance|}.]~ Jonathan Widran Less