I am sure you must have, in your collection, an album that is close to your heart and means a great deal. We're talking about soul music, right, so this is definitely going to get a resounding 'yes!' as an answer! Well, this album is very close to my heart, and since its release in 1984 has had me spellbound ever since. Kazu Matsui may well be known now for his, let's say, Experimental / New Age work today but back in the 1980s Kazu Matsui, along with the finest array of America's crème de la crème of musicians and vocalists was the champion of quality quiet storm soul and fine jazz-fusion. For me, this album is the crown jewel amongst the Kazu Matsui releases of the 1980s. Featuring such greats as Marva King, Phil Perry, the late Carl Anderson, Philip Ingram, Greg Walker, Norman Dozier as well as Bill Meyers, Maxi Anderson, Paul Jackson Jr, Robben Ford, Eric Tagg, Dan Huff and Paulinho Da Costa “Is That The Way To Your Heart” deserves to be a prominent album in anyone's collection. This was released on Pony-Canyon initially in Japan in 1984, then on Passport Jazz in the US in 1986. Cool Sounds then reissued it on CD a few years ago and you can, if you're tasteful enough still order a copy while you can! 
The title song is a summery, perfect opener featuring Norman Dozier; an excellent 'feel good' song that will impress. “Let's Pretend” is the real deal, though - a STUNNING duet between Greg Walker and Lonnie Griffin. This really is 80s soul heaven! A popular choice is the uptempo and very jazzy “The Music Inside You”. Philip Ingram, hotfoot from Deco does an amazing job as always – with Nathan East on Bass and Maxi Anderson on backing vocals, this is second to none. The West Coast feel of “Ariana” with its flute and acoustic guitar begins as a mellow outing but builds up into a brassy belter as the track progresses and Greg Walker has not sounded better! I have, though, left the best for last. “Romantic Notions” is, along with Leon Ware's “Deeper Than Love” my joint all-time favourite. This is an incredible piece of music, and I am touched very deeply because the beautiful lyrics are simply amazing and send me to another dimension, as simple as that Written by Jeff Day, arranged by John Barnes and featuring Derek Nakamoto on keys this song is atmospheric. Marva King has NEVER been surrounded with such beauty, and she was perfect for this song. Marva adds sensitivity and tenderness to a song which will greet you as warm and gentle as a summer breeze kissing your skin. This, my friends, is an album you MUST have in your collection.
Barry Towler
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