Maysa | Back 2 Love

Maysa | Back 2 Love
(Shanachie)
by Brent Faulkner

It has been argued that R&B has been suffering an identity crisis for some years. Questions arise like ‘should R&B musicians mold themselves into pop artists for relevancy and commercial lucrativeness,’ and ‘should they embrace the explicit, salacious conformity that has become part of seemingly every genre?’ Many R&B artists have tried the aforementioned and their music has suffered because of it. For Baltimore, Maryland bred musician Maysa Leak, who excels in jazz and R&B settings, she remains true to herself sans the necessity of conformity, and because of this, her craft is never compromised. On her eighth Shanachie album Back 2 Love, Maysa depicts true love marvelously, enlisting the help of Chris “Big Dog” Davis and J.R. Hutson in the production chair.

Throughout its course, Back 2 Love finds Maysa flexing her eclectic musical tastes – she doesn’t just stick to a basic script, but rather embellishes it and shows her tremendous versatility. This is apparent from the opener, title track “Back 2 Love” which is a combination of house in regards to the danceable groove, jazz in regards to the horns and harmonic scheme, and R&B in regards to the romance and Maysa’s vocal grit. “Back 2 Love” is surprising, particularly kicking the album off, which makes it a gem. She truly “keeps things moving” on “Keep It Movin’,” which features popular collaborator Stokley (of Mint Condition). If “Back 2 Love” was a ‘stepper’s joint,’ “Keep It Movin’” is more contemporary R&B, characterized by a cool vibe and the urban flare to the production – synths and drum programming namely. Capping off a terrific opening trio that all stand out, “Heavenly Voices” slows the pace and finds Maysa embracing her smooth jazz/adult contemporary R&B side.

Arguably the best song from Back 2 Love comes by way of the funky “Tear It Up Tear It Down.” Here, Maysa is feisty and characterized by an energetic spirit from the start. Another of many contrasts to the rest of the album, “Tear It Up Tear It Down” is the crème de la crème that proves to be a hit from the jump. Still, other moments shine like “Go Away Little Boy,” a slow jam that seems to reminisce back to the golden days of neo-soul. Maysa never over-sings; She always delivers tasteful and thoughtful ad-libs. Another duet also receives incredibly high marks – “Last Chance For Love” featuring Phil Perry. An old school, chivalrous ballad, the record can best be described as heavenly. Perry is at his best when he hits his upper range that is nothing short of breathtaking.

Ultimately, there are no misses on Back 2 Love. While a track like the more pop-derived “The Radio Played Our Song” may not appeal to some as much as the jazzier, more soulful numbers, it’s an ambitious number that shows the Maysa’s chameleonic abilities as a musician. Even the records not aforementioned are consistent and well worthy of spins. Back 2 Love in essence, finds an established presence within the industry continuing to prosper. If there is a picture listed under ‘consistency’ in the dictionary, well, surely Maysa Leak’s photograph serves as the exemplary example.

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene