In advance of the release of her highly anticipated 14th studio album, “Music For Your Soul,” Global superstar, Jazz singer/songwriter Maysa sits down with ThisIsRnB host Qyiana for an exclusive interview, and a one-of-a-kind experience.
With alluring mezzo-soprano honey-toned vocals, Maysa is a phenomenal artist whose songs permeate as they evoke and stir the mind, body, and soul, moving the vibe. Delivering riveting and captivating performances coupled with candor, honesty, humor, and purity as an artist makes her a rarity in this business. Not many artists can embody a spirit like the one she owns and shares.
Having collaborated with a wide array of artists from Stevie Wonder to Incognito, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, and Jonathan Butler, MAYSA is a force to be reckoned with. As a result of her work, she received many awards, including Soul Train’s first Centric Award in 2009, and her first Grammy nomination in 2014 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her remake of Nancy Wilson’s “QUIET FIRE,” as well as seven SoulTracks.com Readers Choice Awards for female vocalist of the year.
During our interview, Maysa shared her music journey, longevity (32 years) in the industry, how we will see her in a different and fuller light by adding the title of Label Executive to a resume that includes lead and backing vocalist, songwriter, producer and so much more. Maysa treated us to a soul-stirring live performance that left us filled with so much emotion, joy, and gratitude. You don’t want to miss this interview!
Her latest single, “I Don’t Mind,” has been a mainstay at the top of the UK charts since its January release. Maysa’s new album, “Music For Your Soul,” releases worldwide tomorrow March 31st, just ahead of Jazz Appreciation Month which kicks off April 1st.
“Music For Your Soul” is a full-bodied collection of heart-touching, light-bearing, soul-rousing pure talent works of art. There is something for everyone on the album with features from Chris Walker, Chieli Minucchi, and Noel Gourdin to Kirk Whalum just to name a few. While it is hard to pick the best from the album, we have a few real favorites that stand out for us.
With her phenomenal vocals laid throughout, the project, track #1, “Relax Your Mind” sets the tone for the album. Flowing into track#2, ”Music For Your Soul” a melodic sound that frees your mind to an escape to a happy place, giving light and glow.
The bouncy track#3, ”Whatever” gives you joy! Track #5, “Beautiful” is more than beautiful, it’s an affirmation that speaks to the reality of self.
Classic Maysa signature vocals fill Track#6, “Time Can Heal (A Broken Heart),” a song with the premise of protecting yourself and reminding us to take better care of ourselves first.
Track#13, “I Still Believe” written by Antonina Armato and Giuseppe Cantarelli, has been covered by some of the greatest voices in music with the likes of Mariah Carey and Brenda K Starr. Maysa perfectly delivers a soulful dreamy version of the mega-hit song. This leads us to track #17, ” “You Know How To Love Me” written by Reggie Lucas and James MTume with the song made famous by the incomparable Phyllis Hyman, Maysa keeps the tone and tempo of Hyman’s rendition making for a wonderful soulful finger-popping groove.
Soft, mellow, and beautiful describes track#18 “Let You Down,” and rounding out our picks is track #19, “Lord I Thank You” which says it all! Touching the soul deeply filled with passion, praise, and gratefulness. Maysa has brought forth an exemplary soundscape of music in this 19-track project. This will be your new “add-to-playlist” “on-repeat” favorite album!
Watch our exclusive interview with Jazz icon Maysa below, and get ready to be lifted! You can keep up with Maysa at www.Maysa.com and follow her on her socials Instagram Facebook and Twitter
Maysa’s “Music For Your Soul” dropping worldwide tomorrow (3/31) and will be available for purchase, download, and streaming.
About Maysa:
MAYSA began her career singing background vocals as a part of Stevie Wonder’s WONDERLOVE. MAYSA voice – sultry, jazzy and soulful – powered the British Jazz Funk band “Incognito” to international superstardom on a series of albums in the 1990s – “Tribes Vibes a Scribes,” “Positivity,” “Beneath the Surface” and “No Time Like the Future.” MAYSA seamlessly made the transition to a solo career that has yielded 14 highly acclaimed albums and sold-out live performances, cementing her reputation as one of the best artists working in the game today.
The Baltimore native, who grew up in a loving household with amazing parents, is proudly the mom of one son, Jazz, who was born prematurely at 25 weeks while she was on tour with Incognito in 1999. Jazz has recently graduated college with honors and is an esteemed member of Phi Theta Kappa. He is a Photographer, Videographer, and Music Producer.
Seven years ago in 2016 MAYSA launched what is known today as her MAYSA’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays (#MKKS) on Facebook Live, where she performs, cooks, interviews, and performs with invited artists to entertain thousands of people each week as a thank you for her long and successful career.
In 2018, MAYSA became the owner/founder of her own record label, BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS. The company has released 8 singles, “You Are Not Alone” “It’s Gonna Be Alright”, “Lovin’ You Is Easy,” “Soft Words’ and “I Don’t Mind.”
To celebrate her first record printing, MAYSA designed a commemorative blue velvet box set with those 4 singles as an EP called T”The Fab First Four” in January of 2021. MAYSA released a Double Single, ” Make Sure You’re Sure” & ” Just Stay” on Valentine’s Day, 2022, and a third single, ”Whatever” released on October 11, 2022, and her latest single, “I Don’t Mind” ( written by her longtime mentor and friend Jean Paul “BLUEY” Maunick of Incognito, launches her highly anticipated 14th solo album entitled, “Music For the Soul”
Also in 2023, MAYSA will celebrate 32 years in the music industry, having enjoyed her career continuously recording and touring live with INCOGNITO and her own solo music as well as being a guest featured by other artists.