Beyond having become one of Smooth Jazz’s most prolific artists and an extraordinary mood setter, keyboard virtuoso Rei Narita is a master storyteller who uses both his rip-roaring jams and thoughtful ballads to share his visions of what the world is and can ultimately be. The title of his richly ambient, meditative ballad “Sapphire Butterfly” – amazingly, his 10th single of 2025 – sends a significant message in anticipation of the new year. In many cultures and traditions, a blue butterfly symbolizes joy, good luck, transformation, hope and new beginnings. Listening to Narita’s elegant piano melody and graceful sonic embellishments, it’s easy to imagine, as per the musician’s musings, a delicate butterfly drifting into the sky, its wings perhaps carrying memories but also the promise of great things to come.