Will Ackerman
Grammy-Winning Guitarist, Producer, Founder of Windham Hill Records
...on Piano Sanctuary
“From the first note I heard from Masako in 2011, I knew we were experiencing a musician we would be moved and inspired by. Over three CDs she has grown as a composer and player who never ceases to enthrall and amaze us. With her latest release, Piano Sanctuary, we are hearing the ongoing evolution of one of the most exciting and talented pianists in the Contemporary Instrumental and New Age genres.”
… on MASAKO
"I was astounded to be present as Masako offered many performances so flawless that it required only a single take without edit to realize the pieces; performances of such quality that are so rare as to be nearly mythical. That such perfection and such depth of emotion coexist in her work is the holy grail of recording and production for me.
Masako doesn’t sound like anyone else in the world. Her style is uniquely her own. People use the term 'unique' far too freely, but in Masako's case the term is dramatically accurate. Two notes of B.B. King will tell me who I'm listening to and the same is true of Masako's composition and playing.
Her timing is breathtaking and the dance between her left and right hands is unlike anything I've ever encountered. There is never any sense of her music becoming academic or emotionally compromised even with these prodigious skills. Hers is some of the very finest work I've heard in my career..."
Liz Story
Pianist & Composer, Multiple Grammy Award Nominee
"This music asks to be listend to many times. A trurly inspiring experience. Masako's wonderful musical skills travel with an invigorating peaceful clarity....like the opportunity to observe a clear night sky full of stars."
Bill Binkelman
Zone Music Reporter/Retail Insight magazine
… on Call of the Mountains – Ascent ー
“Just one or two songs into my first playing of Masako’s newest release, Call of the Mountains – Ascent revealed why this pianist has garnered universal acclaim and recognition in the well-populated genre of new age piano with not just this album but with all her previous releases. She is not just an artist with technical mastery of her instrument, but also a gifted composer who understands how to infuse her playing with a sense of intimacy that translates into music that can be enjoyed over and over with equal enthusiasm each time.”
...on Hidden Flowers
“Masako’s way with her piano melodies astounds me. She consistently crafts one memorable track after another, weaving sincere emotion into each musical phrase, each note, as if she were a master-class seamstress producing a luxurious tapestry of subtle, muted, yet intensely beautiful colors.”
...on Underwater Whisperer
“Pianist Masako's fourth album, Underwater Whisperer, underscores her individual style of instrumental piano music as well as her abundant talent, whether soloing or in an ensemble setting. As befitting the title, the music has a flowing quality to it, whether the tempo is serene or playful. Masako is equally adept at instilling a somber, reflective mood or a whimsical, cheery one. At times, she flirts with minimalism, but her music always radiates warmth and sincerity. Masako tends to have a light touch on the ivories which lends a soothing tone to each of the eleven tracks. Even faster tempo songs continue the overall fluid feel of the music. Joined on assorted tracks by high caliber artists Eugene Friesen (cello), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Jeff Pearce (Chapman stick), Premik Russel Tubbs (alto flute, ewi), Noah Wilding (vocals), and Tom Eaton (bass), Masako exudes unselfishness, allowing her esteemed guests to share the spotlight. Produced by the Will Ackerman, Eaton, and the artist herself, and featuring all original compositions by Masako, Underwater Whisperer showcases one of the top-flight pianists in contemporary instrumental music recording today.”
...on MASAKO
"Ackerman has once again unearthed an exceptional talent... Masako's music draws accurate comparisons to the glory days of Ackerman's Windham Hill label (as well as competitor Narada). Her sensitivity, control of nuance and shading, and her quasi-minimalist style (not as minimal as George Winston, but certainly in the same ballpark at times) won me over on the first track, the solo piano number, Glastenbury, VT..."
Dave Butler
Producer & Host of the Inner Visions Syndicated Radio show and Program Director for Got Radio's Piano Perfect and New Age Nuance Channels
"Masako has an extremely flowing style that relaxes the listener and at the same time allows for introspection from within making her music the perfect environment for any time of day, mood or situation. It's a delight to listen to. All it took was a few moments of listening to know that Masako's touch on the keys will carry her far. Just listen and you'll see..."
gotradio.com
www.myspace.com/innervisionsradio
www.freewebs.com/innervisionsradio
Michael Diamond
Music Editor, Awareness Magazine
...on Call of the Mountains
"Throughout the album, Masako’s music is painted from a diverse palate of emotions, from the lightest pastels to more deeply saturated hues. Although she is quite capable of dazzling the listener with her formidable skills on the piano, she often chooses to let the melody and the accompanying emotion it is imbued with be the focus." (Read the full CD review)
...on Masako
"Masako is a gem reflecting diverse facets that sparkle with musical light..."
BT Fasmer
New Age Stars Radio
...on Call of the Mountains -Ascent-
“…Much piano music fades into the background and stays there. Masako’s music, on the other hand, requires active listening. So is also the case with her most recent release. It demands something from you – but as soon as you tune in to Masako’s unique brand of storytelling, it is a highly rewarding experience.” (Read the full review)
...on Hidden Flowers
“… a phenomenal album, and yet another confirmation that Masako is one of the finest New Age music artists of our time… ‘Hidden Flowers’ is her best album to date, and easily one of 2020’s best New Age music releases. ‘Harajuku Memoir’ and ‘Remember the Rainy Day’ are destined to become Solo Piano hits. If you only add one album to your playlist this year, ‘Hidden Flowers’ is an excellent choice. You will find yourself looking for the replay button every time it comes on, guaranteed.” (Read the full Review)
...on MASAKO
"Don't you just love music that almost instantly enters your heart and soul, that from the very first note seems to connect with you? One such album for me is Masako ...It is not unusual for professional artists to release great albums when they for the first time go solo. But Masako is a very strong first release, even in this context..."
(Read the full Review)
btfasmer.com
newagemusic.guide
Dyan Garris
New Age CD
…on Call of the Mountains -Ascent-
“Music by Masako is always directly from her heart and soul. You can feel that when you hear the very first notes of any of her compositions. She exhibits an incredible sensitivity and grace in every note and every nuance.”
…on Wanderlust
“Hauntingly beautiful and authentic in every note, such is the mastery of the music of Masako. Music from Masako is always special. She has a real gift for soothing the soul with her sensitive and velvety touch on the piano keys and her excellent composition skills. Here, in her new album, Wanderlust, we have 11 piano-based tracks which explore her freedom from what we might call the ‘traditional New Age’ genre… The ultimate in relaxation, ‘Wanderlust’ is a must for us all.”
...on Hidden Flowers
“Like pristine flowers, Masako’s composition style is relatively uncomplicated, yet so very elegant. What shines through, as well, is her absolutely perfect cadence, tone, and touch, all adding up to an overflowing sense of warmth, compassion, and comfort that is unforgettable… To me, one aspect of this album that really stands out is this: When we think of flowers, when we look at them, we see them with our eyes as a whole, but we know in our minds each individual flower is comprised of different layers of petals. Each layer here, each individual petal of instrumentation, is so skillfully incorporated into the whole, seemingly without any effort whatsoever, that we end up with an astoundingly beautiful, fully blossoming unforgettable bouquet, which lives on. Sure to win another award or more, ‘Hidden Flowers’ by Masako is the ultimate in relaxation.”
...on Underwater Whisperer
“The album, ‘Underwater Whisperer,’ by pianist Masako, is like a sparkling jewel one discovers at the seashore. A special treasure, this is simply beautiful.” continue reading
www.NewAgeCD.com
www.DyanGarrisMusic.com
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
New Age Music Reviews
... on Wanderlust
“While I enjoyed all of Masako’s releases to this point, I believe Wanderlust exhibits an exceptional advance in maturity... She has mastered the art of diversity and utilizes the other instruments in the mix to her advantage...
an amazing achievement for a solo piano artist. Masako continues to push the musical envelope with each successive release. As a very particular and hard-to-impress listener, I found it an absolute joy to experience from start to finish.” (Read the Full Review)
...on Hidden Flowers
“I think what I always admire the most with Masako is that she handles each composition as an individual piece of art. And even though the approach is that singularly focused, it comes together as one cohesive recording…
Tracks of beauty are perfected through the ivory keys and presented beautifully on Hidden Flowers. I think the title of the recording my suggest that flowers are hidden within in each song for you, the individual listener, to discover. I stopped to smell their fragrance and elegance once again through the talented fingers of Masako…”
...on Underwater Whisperer
“The entire album delivers on the promise of tranquility and a meditative or contemplative state of consciousness. Two tracks in particular were my favorites. “Sea Pearls” is 7 minutes and 20 seconds of pure piano bliss. And “The Deep” ...is a step away from the norm, a very different, atmospheric ambient haunting track, as she puts aside the acoustic keys and opts for the electric sound and the perfected vocals of Noah Wilding. I loved it because it is outside of the comfort zone if you will of the rest of the album. Masako takes a chance and comes out the other end triumphantly…
The piano alone can say a lot but when you add the cello, flute, Chapman Stick, wind synthesizer (an interesting instrument), and percussion it is like a small orchestra adding layers to the one layer of piano. Together as one it can mesmerize and send you to dreamland within one track.”
...on Piano Sanctuary
”Masako’s music is different than any other instrumental solo piano music I have heard. She creates a wonderful new age sound that could be compared to others in the genre but it is distinct and her own as well. It will all make sense once you listen.
With Piano Sanctuary, an aptly titled project by the way, she takes you on a course of enlightenment through 12 tracks. Her clarity and fluidity on the ivory keys is an awesome thing to listen to.
What strikes me the most about this music is that each track is very melodic and full of warm textures and rhythms. Every bit of it comes from deep within the soul of a true artist. ”
Donovan Johnson
Enlightened Piano Radio
"Masako finds that perfect balance between the simple and the complicated, and the listener is able to sit right in the 'pocket' of the music, drift away, and take a journey with her... very hypnotic and engaging, prompting you to listen over and over again. "
Collin Kelley
Awards-Winning Poet & Novelist
...on MASAKO
"There's a wistfulness and melancholy about the album, especially on tracks like 'Forgotten Memories,' 'A Tale of Lonely Otter' and the two-part cycle called 'Remembrance.' It's almost like the soundtrack for an unmade film. Elsewhere, there are more uplifting tracks like 'The Secret Path to Point Reyes Part 2,' which transports you to a sun-dappled walk to the beach, and the spirited 'Ottauquechee River.' 'Moon and Stream' is a gorgeous lullaby, while 'Glastenbury, VT' is simply jazzy and cool – the soundtrack to a snowy winter day with a glass of wine and a good book (watch the video below). ..They are, in a word, elegant. There's nothing fussy here – just simple, emotionally- driven music designed to take you out of your own world for an hour. Take the journey."
Serge Kozlovsky
"What is music? This is the path to reconnect the lonely beings... The music of Masako is filled with divine harmonics and a lot of subtle nuances. It streams straight from the artist’s heart without falsehood and unnecessary embellishment. These are just the pure emotions which the performer lets flow easily. And they convey the yearnings and emotional experiences of the artist’s essence. Therefore, this music is very intimate. ”
...on Call of the Mountains
"...just listen to this music and it will lead you into uncharted territory, where unbelievable beauty lives...One can say that Masako becomes not just one more star, but the leader in the new age music genre. ..“Call of the Mountains” will be gourmet food for any new age and contemporary instrumental music lovers."
...on MASAKO
"Masako brightly continues the musical tradition of the great Windham Hill artists such as William Ackerman, George Winston, Michael Hedges, Liz Story, Shadowfax, to name a few. But the pianist has her own distinct style which makes the heart stopping sounds of piano, fall like the warm summer rain on the tired head. And it is not necessary to think, just listen to this healing music to empathize with it."
sergekozlovsky.com/
VIVEK KUMAR
New Music Alert
...on Call of the Mountains -Ascent-
“Music to inspire the soul’ is an off-the-beaten-track concept in music that very few artists dare to attempt with a justifiable degree of perfection. Masako’s musical works have always belonged to a niche that could ably inspire millions to draw their soul’s nourishment from her music. She has a superior understanding of what music is capable of and how to encapsulate the energy of music into her tunes to be conveyed to her audience.”
...on Hidden Flowers
“The album, her fifth, is a rich mixture of sounds that trigger soothing neurons. Masako asks questions and assists in the voyage of the listener, who would experience various moods with the album... In the unexpected times such as these, there could be nothing more beautiful than a peaceful audio sensation when you are sitting in your chamber, pondering and reflecting on things that matter in your life... She is considered a very capable pianist, and you can see her composing capabilities in this album with such grace. This is the first time I am hearing her music and I can very safely say I look forward to more such gems from her–wishing her more gifts that she could share with the world. A must-have collection in dire times like these!”
(Read the full Review.)
R J Lannan
Zone Music Reporter
…on Call of the Mountains -Ascent-
“(Masako's) music seems to soothe the savage breast like few others… suitable whether you are a New Age fan or a contemporary music connoisseur. Her complex, emotionally enriched compositions seem to capture the moment, hold it long enough for our spirit to appreciate it, and then in the next instant, gives us a new one to contemplate...I caution you not to listen to the first tune Calling on a rainy day. It is so sweetly sad that more than rain will fall. Masako’s soft ballad suggests a nearby mountain whispering your name and Calling. The voices of the past are inviting and inspiring. Comely cello and cascading piano notes blend harmoniously as they beckon you to explore the slopes, the rocky terrain, and the very apex of the mountain.
…on Wanderlust
“There is something so personal, so intimate about pianist and composer Masako’s latest album Wanderlust. The stories are from experiences of her heart and soul and with such inspiration, these eleven contemporary tunes reveal her genuine emotions as never before. The album is a mix of piano and light accompaniment by some fine talents and the sense of it is a freeform, dare to fly kind of feeling. Every song is a point or a place in time where life either changed dramatically or came brightly into focus for this talented artist. Translating these results, these experiences into music seems to be Masako’s forte…”
...on Hidden Flowers
“I found these dozen delightful tracks of instrumental music to be pleasing in every way. They are light, fluid, and fanciful. Masako creates a garden for the mind where thorns are banished and gentleness, warmth, and a plethora of daydreams greet you at every turn. Highly listenable all..."
...on MASAKO
"... for a freshman enterprise, this album has quite a bit of polish and self-confidence that I would have expected from a much more experienced composer. That tells me that there is an opportunity to achieve a powerful musical presence from this artist..."
Raj Manoharan
...on Call of the Mountains
"...with this offering, Masako proves herself worthy of the echelon of preeminent pianists such as David Lanz, Jim Brickman, and Liz Story. I even hear a little bit of Bruce Hornsby in her compositional and playing style...a flawless disc from beginning to end, with one beautiful and mesmerizing piece after another. As they say, the hits just keep on coming...without a doubt one of the best piano-based albums out there."
...on MASAKO
"On her self-titled review, Masako proves herself to be a classy and elegant composer with an ear for music and a golden touch on the keyboard..."
Dick Metcalf
Improvijazzation Nation
…on Wanderlust
“Piano freedom unleashed Masako – WANDERLUST: We all experience urges to travel sometimes… on pianist Masako’s engaging new release, she takes you on a sonic tour of piano freedom unleashed… I give Masako and all the artists who contribute to this wonderful album a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an ‘EQ’ (energy quotient) score of 4.99.”
...on Hidden Flowers
“There are really only a few piano artists that capture my ears like Masako… my most current review of her “Piano Sanctuary” album got very high marks, and this new release is even more exciting, because of the perfectly paced solo piano magic she’s able to create for you… I give Masako and her playing partners a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00.”
...on Piano Sanctuary
"I’ve reviewed Masako’s work many times before...her growth as an artist over the three albums she has put together at Will Ackerman’s studios is abundantly evident on this new release. Masako’s own musical (and listening) background is very diverse, and she doesn’t “pigeonhole” herself into any one genre… "
...on Call of the Mountains
"very expressive and insightful particularly on tunes like Bigfoot Forest , her careful use of full-blown chords to expand the vibrancy of the compositions is especially effective... My personal favorite was the strident, yet beautiful Purple Indulgence. You can see the pictures she paints for you quite clearly. (The strings are stunning)..." (Read the full CD Review)
...on MASAKO
"Simple yet elegant to her approach to the keyboards...This is one of those musical adventures you'll keep close to your heart (and your ears) for months (years, even) to come...The rich chords and enticing violin on 'A Tale of Lonely Otter' made it my favorite..." (Read the full CD Review)
Toshiharu Minagawa
...on Call of the Mountains
「このアルバムは2012年の1st『MASAKO』に次ぐイマジナリー・ロード・スタジオでのレコーディング、そしてアッカーマンによるプロデュースです。前作よりも、より自然体の作風に磨きがかかっているような気がしました。
先に書いたように、アメリカという国をイメージするとき、大自然を抱えた大地や大空を思わせてくれますが、それが音楽による印象でよりハッキリとイメージとして思い描けるときがあります。まさにウィンダム・ヒルや、その後のアッカーマンのプロデュースによる作品がそれにあたると思うのですが、Masakoさんの2つのアルバムからもそれを感じることができます。それは映像的であったり、曲によっては匂いや、温度（森の中のヒンヤリ感とか、降雨の冷たさとか）までが感じられるような気がします。どの曲からも大自然の大らかな息吹がみなぎっているような気がしてなりません。
ジャケットに編まれたコラージュのように、さまざまな自然の表情や営みが音として描かれ、リスナーに浸透してゆく。雑多な街に住み、自然を忘れがちな人たちに聞いてもらいたい作品集です。」
http://tupichan.net/WindhamHill/ImaginaryRoad/CALL_OF_THE_MOUNTAINS.html
John P. Olsen
NewAgeMusicWorld.com
...on MASAKO
"Composing pianist Masako has released an extraordinary instrumental album with every hallmark of a seasoned professional. Will Ackerman produced this album at Imaginary Road Studios, but needless to say, a producer can only enhance by bringing out the best of an artist's talents. It's clear Masako herself gives a magnificent performance, and her arrangement design of piano with instrumental music deserves to be characterized as a world-class release." (Read the whole review)
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
… on Call of the Mountains - Ascent -
“Most of her music has been inspired by nature, and she says that she has always loved forests, mountains, streams and meadows. Quoting Masako: ‘When I was a kid living in Japan, I remember often exploring the nearby mountains with my younger sister and the neighborhood kids....My desire to play in the mountains conflicted with my daily piano practice, but I needed both.’” (Read the full Review.)
... on Wanderlust
“…expectations are running very high for Wanderlust and I sincerely doubt anyone will be disappointed - not even a little bit! … The eleven tracks are all original compositions and range in style from neo-classical to new age to smooth jazz, making Wanderlust Masako's declaration of freedom from traditional genres and musical boundaries.” (Read the full Review.)
...on Hidden Flowers
“Masako has become one of my favorite artists, and a new album from her is always a treat!...All twelve tracks are very peaceful and soothing - a welcome retreat from the challenges of this year! My only complaint is that there aren’t more piano solos - only two this time - as Masako is a truly exceptional pianist and I love being able to focus on her playing. Nevertheless, I really love this album!” (Read the full Review.)
...on Underwater Whisperer
"There are many really good pianists in the new age and contemporary classical genres, but Masako is one of a handful of artists who really stands out from the others. Whether playing solo or with other artists, Masako imbues her music with simple grace and truth." (Read the full Review.)
...on Piano Sanctuary
"Masako’s third album is solo piano at its very best. A lyrical, graceful and very expressive blending of classical, new age and smooth jazz stylings, Piano Sanctuary provides a warm and soothing escape from the craziness of our contemporary world. " (Read the full Review.)
...on Call of the Mountains
"There are many self-taught musicians whose work I dearly love, but when an artist such as Masako steps in with a lifetime of rigorous training, there is a palpable difference and often, at least for me, a much bigger “WOW!” factor. It has nothing to do with showmanship or playing speed (usually), but the effortless command of the instrument to successfully convey whatever that artist seeks to express." (Read the whole review.)
...on Masako
"Her fluid, graceful touch and ability to become one with her instrument set her apart from many pianists, and her original compositions offer a truly unique musical voice that is strong and assured, yet gentle and soothing." (Read the whole review.)
Clidk here for an extended interview of Masako by Kathy Parsons
Steve Sheppard
One World Music
...on Wanderlust
Masako connects the dots between the piano with instrumentation genre and new age with utter ease... Her charm filled performances are all so beautifully played and performed, that it really is a simple pleasure to allow yourself to enjoy these timeless reveries and lose yourself in its beauty… another album in the ever growing catalogue of brilliant releases created by pianist Masako...
...on Hidden Flowers
“... such a textured and beautifully played album, the multi-instrumental nature of the release is craft-fully manifested to give us a collection of utterly transfixing compositions. I would dare to say this is her best work so far, it is an album that seems to drift along with a loving intent. Masako must be one of the most fluent and creative story tellers of her genre and her day, and Hidden Flowers is a total gem of an album to be admired and played endlessly”
...on Underwater Whisperer
“I have been following the career of Masako ever since I was introduced to her music via an album called Masako, her debut offering, and ever since then her performances and beautiful pastiches of colour and tone have enthralled me completely, much the same can be said about this new release entitled Underwater Whisperer. Masako’s crafted genius has won me over once more with such a vista of tone and sound...this is certainly one that should be on everyone’s wish list.”
...on Piano Sanctuary
"I had the delight of coming into the world of Masako in 2012, a year of many changes; her music then calmed the soul and brought a new focus to my life. The changes have constantly rang out for me over the past 6 years and in 2018 Masako’s latest release now plays its gentle refrains into my heart and soul, so why not join me on this new musical sojourn, through the works of Piano Sanctuary."
...on Call of the Mountains
"Just what the Solo Piano genre needed; here we have an album jam packed to the top with total class and creativity, an album superbly produced by Ackerman and Eaton to such a fine level...an album that will move you, bring you peace and liberate you...an album that I would personally recommend for you to place in your musical collection."
Dana Wright
Muzikreviews.com
...on Call of the Mountains
"...lush theatrical depictions of the Northeast Mountains in the United States fill the listener with love and appreciation for the beauty that is all around if people would only open their eyes and ears to listen…a heartrending audio experience...From serene and flowing harmonies to elaborate climbs in sound and texture, she has crafted a sampler of elegantly sculpted notes." (Read the full CD review)
...on MASAKO
"Fluid as water and as bendable as a willow tree, each piece on her debut album MASAKO is a breath of audible bliss...Masako crafts compositions that are remarkably flawless, impeccably timed and a unique blend of classic and contemporary style influenced in part by her Japanese heritage.... " (Read the full CD review)