MADOCA™ Music Entertainment: Press/Review

Madoca’s Amethyst Atlanta’s own Madoca™ has released her second CD entitled Amethyst. Madoca is a Japanese American Jazz Fusion keyboardist whose name is pronounced “Ma du ka.”  She is an internationally acclaimed composer and performer from Japan who is able to create music that has great energy. This CD features ten original tracks, a standard from Rogers and Hart and a classic from Isaac Hayes. Since 2005 with her first CD “Mysterious Ways” Madoca has been building her reputation as one of Atlanta’s brightest musical gems. Performing as Madoca and Co. with collaborator and producer “The Prince Project”, the two have teamed with some of Atlanta’s best musicians to create another exciting jazz CD.   Her music is composed like jazz conversations where complete ideas are explored by all voices adding their own contribution to the musical dialogue. This music showcases the talents of these musicians and the cohesion that they share. Many of Madoca’s musical influences can be heard including, Chick Corea (RTF), Joe Sample and Miles Davis. Amethyst is a multi-faceted CD with various songs that will appeal to listeners who enjoy “smooth jazz” while other songs incorporate elements of funk and rock for ears who appreciate “fusion.” The make-up of the band on this CD includes Madoca™ (p)(k), The Prince Project (b) (g), Funky Monky (d), Ken Faison (s), Joel Powell (b-acoustic), Billy Odums III (g) and guest appearances by others on vocals. From the CD’s opening track, ”Obsession” we hear that this ensemble can play. Fans of WCLK’s morning radio jazz program will be familiar with the second track, my favorite, “Spiritual.” This song features the core quartet stretching out on a beautiful tune that features some very nice work on drums by Funky Monky. “Atlanta” features The Prince Project on guitar and Joel Powell on acoustic bass with Madoca on piano creating an exceptional resonance symbolic of our vibrant local jazz scene. Billy Odum’s wicked guitar and Sam Skelton’s scorching sax make “Funk It Up!” a funk/jazz jam session inspired by Miles Davis’ 1986 classic “Tutu.” The reggae infused “Amethyst Island” is a statement of Madoca’s creative ability to maintain an infectious energy in whatever she is playing. Her sensual play on “Water Stream” is captivating and her swinging play on “Fusion HWY” is a driving force. This CD is a wonderful follow up effort to “Mysterious Ways” and marks the growth of Madoca’s musical repertoire. This is a CD that you will want to have in your library and share with friends. Madoca and Co. can be seen live playing around Atlanta so check the calendar for the next show For more information about Madoca, you can visit www.madocamusic.com

NSP

After listening to the entire list of promotional tracks on the site, I realized at that point that Madoca has a talent that surpasses the standard for jazz artists. With the originality factor and differences in vibes, this project should and I beleive "will" propel Madoca to and though the stars!!!

Mysterious Ways offers the listener the best of both worlds; smooth, yet technically and musically sound. The mix of sounds, textures and mood altering material is refreshing and different from most piano based artists' offerings. Madoca's playing is impeccable, her musical support team, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Prince Redd and Melvin Miller on trumpet are appropriately complimentary. This is music that is here to stay.