For many, the ECM- and Windham Hill-influenced, neo-classically inflected jazz of airport people’s from nine mornings became an essential part of their morning ritual. On his latest CD wa kei sei jaku, Johnson takes that morning tea ritual in a more intentional and explicit direction. In addition to a limited-edition tea collaboration with Cincinnati-based Wendigo Tea, wa kei sei jaku reflects on the four core principles of the Japanese tea ceremony:

• Wa (和): Harmony or unity

• Kei (敬): Respect or reverence

• Sei (清): Purity or cleanliness

• Jaku (寂): Tranquility or silence

Johnson weaves these principles into the music, incorporating samples from his own morning tea ceremonies as textural sound beds and percussive elements. wa kei sei jaku is a beautiful album. Fans of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Keith Jarrett should find a lot to love here. Same with fans of slow mornings on the back porch.