Description
Malta: Cinematrix | Jazz Fusion CD
Product Information
- UPC: 5031320902229
- Catalog Number: JVC 9022-2
- Product Type: Music CD
- Genre: Jazz Fusion
- Format: Audio CD
- Release Date: 1997
- Publisher: JVC Music Europe Ltd. (under exclusive license from Victor Entertainment Inc., Tokyo, Japan)
- Label Code: LC 4748
Overview
"Cinematrix" is a sophisticated jazz fusion album by acclaimed Japanese saxophonist Malta (Yoshiaki Maruta), showcasing his virtuosic talents across alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones. Released through JVC's prestigious jazz division, this 1997 recording features ten tracks that seamlessly blend contemporary jazz, fusion, and smooth jazz sensibilities. Backed by a skilled ensemble of British session musicians, Malta delivers a polished collection that ranges from energetic, rhythm-driven compositions to more contemplative pieces, all unified by his distinctive saxophone voice. The album includes nine original compositions by Malta himself, with tracks named after mythological figures like "Aphrodite," "Eos," and "Cassandra," plus a jazz interpretation of the classic rock standard "A Whiter Shade of Pale." Recorded and mixed at London's Marcus Recording Studios with audiophile-quality 20-bit mastering, Cinematrix represents a high point in Malta's international recording career and exemplifies the sophisticated jazz fusion sound cultivated by JVC's music division.
Product Features
- Format: Standard audio CD with 20-bit mastering for enhanced audio quality
- Content: 10 tracks (9 original compositions by Malta, 1 cover)
- Musical Style: Contemporary jazz fusion with smooth jazz influences
- Performers: International ensemble featuring top British session musicians
- Recording Information: Recorded and mixed at Marcus Recording Studios, London (February 13-25, 1997)
- Production Quality: Audiophile-grade 20-bit mastering
- Featured Instrument: Multiple saxophones (alto, tenor, and soprano) played by Malta
- Special Note: Licensed international release from Victor Entertainment Japan
Interesting Facts
The Artist Behind the Mononym
Malta, whose real name is Yoshiaki Maruta (丸田良昭), is one of Japan's most distinguished jazz saxophonists, born on September 19, 1949. His choice to perform under the single name "Malta" has helped establish his unique identity in the international jazz scene. With a career spanning several decades, he has become known for his technical prowess across multiple saxophones (alto, tenor, and soprano) and his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary fusion styles. This album represents Malta's efforts to expand his audience beyond Japan through collaboration with European musicians and international distribution through JVC's global network.
A Cross-Cultural Musical Collaboration
What makes "Cinematrix" particularly interesting is its nature as a cross-cultural project. While Malta is Japanese, the entire recording took place in London with a lineup of respected British session musicians, including Tim Cansfield on guitar, Graham Harvey and Jonathan Shorter on keyboards, Randy Hope-Taylor on electric bass, Tony Mason on drums, and Karl Van Den Bossche on percussion. This East-meets-West collaboration created a distinctive sound that transcends typical geographical boundaries in jazz, representing a truly international approach to the fusion genre that was particularly characteristic of high-end jazz productions in the 1990s.
JVC's Legacy in Premium Jazz Recordings
This album was released during an important period in JVC's history as a music label. JVC (Japan Victor Company) was known for its commitment to audiophile-quality jazz recordings, particularly through initiatives like their "XRCD" (Extended Resolution Compact Disc) series and sponsorship of major jazz events like the JVC Jazz Festival. "Cinematrix" was produced with 20-bit mastering technology, which was state-of-the-art at the time and offered greater dynamic range and detail than standard 16-bit CDs. This focus on sonic excellence was part of JVC's broader strategy to position their music division as a premium label for discerning jazz enthusiasts, building on the company's reputation for high-quality audio equipment.
Track Listing
- Aphrodite
- Eos
- Danae
- Cassandra
- Donky King
- Donky Queen
- Shaista
- Blackjack
- P.S. Luv You
- A Whiter Shade of Pale (composed by Reid/Brooker)
All compositions by Malta except Track 10
Musicians
- Malta: alto, tenor and soprano saxophone
- Tim Cansfield: guitar
- Graham Harvey: keyboards
- Jonathan Shorter: keyboards
- Randy Hope-Taylor: electric bass
- Tony Mason: drums
- Karl Van Den Bossche: congas, bongos and percussion
Recording Information
Recorded and mixed at: Marcus Recording Studios, London
Recording dates: February 13-25, 1997
Engineered by: Tim Hunt
Publishers
Released by JVC Music Europe Ltd., under exclusive license from Victor Entertainment Inc., Tokyo, Japan. JVC trademark used by authority of the Victor Company of Japan Ltd.
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Hashtags
#Malta #JazzFusion #JapaneseSaxophonist #JVCJazz #Cinematrix #SmoothJazz #JazzSaxophone #WorldJazz #90sJazz #FusionMusic
