In establishing his record labels Key Rei Jazz and Studio Luna Azul, prolific pianist, composer, producer Rei Narita – renowned as Asia’s foremost pioneer of Smooth Jazz – has made his intentions clear: to build on the concept of creating beautiful music. Since his two-part full-length album series, THE COLOR OF SOUNDSCAPE in the 2010s, the multi-talented artist has released two follow up EPs and a flurry of popular singles, including one with Omar Hakim and Peter White. The title of Narita’s latest super-melodic, seductive and gently rhythmic gem, “Lets Meet Up Under the Sakura” refers to the Japanese cherry blossom. Narita’s dreamy and atmospheric, easy swaying, and often improvisational flow creates a gentle soundtrack for the image of two people meeting up under this tree that blooms inspirationally in spring.
