Maysa – Metamorphosis

Maysa, lead singer from Incognito, is one of those very steady & unique singers who really get into an emotional & passionate stance on her music. And at times, they relate to open subjects of love, relationships & Spirit. Her openness to express personal feelings & channel energy of pure soul music often untapped by current generational R&B artists simply places her above the rest, in my humble opinion. Yet, Maysa does something many others in that field often lack the gift of. That is to stay consistent.

And her approach, my friends, lends me the opportunity to express my thoughts about “Metamorphosis” for The Urban Music Scene. Album released from Shanachie Records.

The “Simpatico” track resembles the same melodies & groove driven beats, prodigy of the group she represents – Incognito. That group is also a consistent band recognized throughout the world. Make it worldwide. But Maysa opens up her CD fresh & quite different. Right directly into “My Destiny” comes the same feel & flavorful of the neo-soul sense. “Never Really Ever” kicks the funky wave into high gear, all the while “Let’s Figure It Out” breaks through with a touch of jazz undercurrencies, all the while guitar appealing. I’m quite sure it was meant for her dedication to lead man of Incognito ‘Bluey’ & then switches sides with a up tempo, dance track. A great way to change the pace entirely for the project. It’s something you should look for.

There’s something I need to add about what I consider to be the best track on her project, “I Need A Man”. I saw a video for it featuring a remix with Barack Obama on YouTube or on this site & personally, I didn’t connect well with it. The composition, all by it self, should be by itself. The message sent was well prepared & it didn’t need a crutch, if you will. The song carried a sticky feel, contagious of being replayed by both sides of a coin. The message & the music was mixed very well & can be received by the help of no one. No offense to Barack, & yes I’m voting for him. But it wasn’t necessary to bring him along for this one.

The Brazilian music after effect continues in “Higher Love”, the smooth & silky taste of “Take Me Away”, oh by the way, listen to her lyrics for that song. I love it. Its very simple & sometimes, that’s all it takes to create great music. “Walk Away” milks its way into a slow organic track caressing its way into your heart & soul, again, highlighting the songwriting talents of another nice singing perfectionist, Ledisi. All it takes is to simply listen.

And do not under estimate the strength of wonder producer Jason Miles when Maysa lifts the skills to “Conversation With The Universe”. Check the scatting & check the production. That is all that needed to be said.

The rest of her project is worthy of turning up the sound & to appreciate such a high quality, a mark of very tasteful & impressing journal of music. I rate it 5 + stars or stripes, or whatever. And my friends, that is out of 5, just in case you were wondering about my rating scale.

Maysa is truly a gifted & unique artist. Ms. Leak is also capable of expressing her talents beyond the limit of Rhythm & Blues & lift it into regions of jazz music & quite possibly into other spectrum’s of music nationalities such as Brazilian music too. Shanachie Records should take care of her & heavily promote this.

George Strand
The Urban Music Scene