Search - Hiroko Kokubu :: Pure Heart

Very Amazing

Andy Poerwanto | USA | 05/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best jazz pianist. Several songs can not be categorized as jazz, but overall, it's very excellent."

One incredibly talented artist

Steven K. Inman | 05/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As of this writing, Amazon doesn't have samples available of the music on the "Pure Heart" album. That's a pity, because it's some of the best smooth jazz/new age music I've ever heard. Hopefully this situation will change soon and you'll be able to taste snippets of this collection for yourself. Once you do, I know you're gonna love it. Until then, I'll try to give you an idea of what Ms. Kokubu has to offer with this collection by comparing some of my favorite tracks to works that other, better-known smooth jazz and new age artists have produced.



Admittedly, any music so unique and brilliant shouldn't be pigeon-holed... but in the absence of samples, comparison seems the best way to describe her work. She's a gifted pianist and composer, and I hope she forgives me. That said, I think I've put her in very good company.



"Vitamina" reminds me of Bob James' style, whereas "Once and Forever" and "Happiest You" are perhaps more similar to Viacheslav Gorsky's or Dan Siegel's piano work. "Carry Me With the Wind", "Weekend", and "It's Cool" sound like the kind of music Keiko Matsui might have released... if Ms. Kokubu hadn't beat her to it. Her refreshing cover of Paul Simon's "Mrs. Robinson" adds a Latin flair that includes electric guitar, strong percussion and a horn section to her very fast-paced piano licks. I really like what she's done with it."