Maysa | A Woman In Love

Maysa | A Woman In Love

The beautiful & talented Maysa burst onto the scene in 1992 as a featured singer in Incognito on their critically acclaimed album,”Tribes, Vibes + Scribes”. Since that time she’s released a series of critically acclaimed solo recordings. On this her 3rd Shananchie Records release, and 8th solo disc overall, “A Woman In Love”, she interprets a select batch of standards, and a few originals. Let’s explore the highlights of this great album.

The opening song, “Am I Wrong ? (For Lovin’ You)”, features a Bossa Nova shuffle groove throughout as Maysa sings her lines with her rich and husky alto. Her vocalizing on this one will certainly make one feel like they’re on the beach of Rio de Janeiro soaking up the sun.

“Love Theory”, co-written by Maysa with the talented Will Downing, is performed as a duet. This hit bound track is mid tempo, sensual and sung melodiously. Lyrics of what love should be and expected will certainly hit home for many.

On “‘Round Midnight”, she tackles the Thelonious Monk staple in a jazzed up tempo. Very adventurous and sleek is best how to describe it. Big band arrangements with a full orchestra is something one would not expect to hear on a Maysa album, but you’ll certainly be pleasantly surprised to hear what goes on here. Maysa sings and scats that goes from a quiet whisper to a roaring lioness. EXCELLENT !!

The Barbra Streisand classic “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life ?” from Babs’ “The Way We Were” soundtrack is performed here in another jazz orchestra setting. Great string arrangements, fiery horns, a tight rhythm section and a fine vocal performance from Maysa, has the makings of a jazz standard that will closely associate this song to Maysa directly. Can you say Grammy nomination for 2011’s Best Female Jazz Vocal Performance ? ….. Well there you go !

Album title track “A Woman In Love”, a Maysa original, features her do something vocally you’d REALLY not expect, Spoken Word ! ….and it works ! Along with her rhythmically charged whispery lead &background vocal delivery, the funky back beat of the drums, bass and synths, is one of the many shining highlights of this project.

On the Rod Temperton penned, Michael Jackson chestnut, “Lady Of My Life”, she performs this version that would’ve DEFINITELY made Michael proud. She didn’t veer away that much from the original, but she certainly made it her own. Smooth, mellow, groovy, and plain down right soulful !

On the Jalacy Hawkins, a.k.a. “Screamin’ Jay Hawkins”, penned standard, “I Put A Spell On You” …. RELAX ! SHE DIDN’T SING IT LIKE SCREAMIN’ JAY !!! …..Maysa sung & scatted this tune with the dynamics of Sarah Vaughan, and with the fervor of Ella Fitzgerald. Tight band, lush strings, a fantastic sax solo, all performed in a late night jazz club mode.

Closing track, the Nat King Cole staple, “When I Fall In Love” …. What else can I say ?, Brilliant ….. SIMPLY BRILLIANT ! With just an acoustic piano, string accompaniment, and Maysa’s marvelous vocal performance, you have yet ANOTHER Grammy nomination for 2011’s Best Female Jazz Vocal Performance.

I’m hoping and praying this CD take Maysa’s career to even a higher & greater plateau, and judging from what I’ve heard, she’s already there. Please do whatever you need to do to obtain this CD. Buy the physical disc ! Download it ! … LEGALLY ! LEGALLY THAT IS ! ….. Whatever, just get your hands on it !

Happy Listening !

Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene