Keiko Matsui and Gerald Veasley

Keiko Matsui, born in Tokyo, is renowned for her fusion of smooth jazz, fusion, and new age music. Her albums, like 1995's chart-topping Sapphire and 2016's Journey to the Heart, showcase her blend of Western and Eastern influences. Collaborating with artists such as Eric Marienthal, Bob James, and Kirk Whalum, she crafted hits like "Mountain Shakedown" and "Echo." Her compositions reflect her love for nature and spirituality, and she marked her 30th anniversary with a distinctive, organic style.