Profile
Maysa Leak is truly one of the most authentic vocal artists of our time, a 21st
century Sade but with her own twist on modern day soulful jazz.
She is perhaps best known as a lead singer with British jazz funksters Incognito,
with whom she has recorded and performed since the album 'Tribes, Vibes
And Scribes' (on which she sang the hits 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A
Thing' and 'Positivity') in the early 90s. Some say the combination
could be described as a contemporary Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, and these comparisons
are certainly evident in the music of Incognito and the solo work presented
on this album.
Maysa also recorded with Stevie Wonder, Urban Species and Ray Hayden of Opaz,
Ray becoming one of the producers on her debut album for Blue Thumb/GRP 'Maysa'
in 1995. The music here was a diverse mix of many musical influences derived
from personal relationships she has had over the years.
Of her own work Maysa says 'I've learned enough from the relationships
that I've had to be able to put that feeling into my music. I like to think
that people will listen and relate to them, feeling safe and understood because
of the way I put them over. Music can be so healing'.
'All My Life' was recorded in 1999 with 'Bluey' from Incognito and
a cast of top musicians. During the year Maysa also toured with Incognito but
was forced to pull out of a show one night in Japan - she prematurely gave birth
to her son Jazz, but both are doing fine. |
