~Maysa~

Photo Courtesy of Maysa.com/BlueRoses Entertainment

Alana's Musical Diary would be remiss if we did not place Maysa in our hot seat.  She sits on our throne because of who she is, where's she's been, and where she's going.  Perhaps, you recognize the name Maysa as being the contemporary jazz artist who joined the British Jazz group 'Incognito' on lead vocals or could it be from her string of solo projects?  Maysa has such a distinct sound, you are unlikely to forget her once you've heard her.   Just remember that she is the creme de la creme of contemporary jazz.  Maysa stands in a class alone but she has been compared to the talented songstress, Randy Crawford from the legendary group The Crusaders.  

Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Maysa Leak is a graduate of Morgan State University of Baltimore City.  It was seeing Melba Moore take the stage in the 1970's Broadway play Purlie that Maysa decided she too wanted to be a singer.  Maysa's first professional  background vocals were performed for Stevie Wonder.  She was a member of Stevie's female group 'Wonderlove.'  Any number of opportunities ensued when  Maysa was offered an audition by phone to sing for the group Incognito and subsequently went on to record 7 or 8 projects with the talented jazz performers.  'Deep Water's' is one of my favorites as well as Can We Change the World.   And like the title of her single 'Honey Bee' Maysa has been quite the busy bee recording 8 or more solo projects of her own.  Maysa has also been featured on soundtracks such as Jungle Fever and she's also performed for Oprah Winfrey.  

There is no way to 'define' Maysa.  She's the proud mother of son, Jazz, a musical dynamo, spokesperson for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), stellar performer--whom you can always make a date to see if you're ever in Alexandria, Virginia (Google: Birchmere Theater.)  We never tire of the sweet sounds of Maysa and if you are a subscriber of satellite radio (Sirius or XM) you can always hear Maysa's sweet, rich sounds on the wonderful Watercolors station.

Maysa, now that you've graced us with your presence, Alana's Musical Diary would like to pay back by featuring you here.  Maysa has a wonderful website (www.maysa.com) which highlights her many achievements.  Her latest project: A Woman in Love was released this year just after the success of her Metamorphosis project which debut the number 1 spot on Billboard's No. 1 Contemporary Jazz top 100.  Maysa, whether you select to collaborate on a musical project with other artists or go it alone we want, welcome, and will always love you!  You're hot, girl!   

Come Closer: Corrine Bailey Rae

Who can forget 'Put Your Records On?' The signature single that placed Corrine's name up in lights throughout the United States.  The 31 year old British born songstress/guitarist/songwriter has come Closer and she's proven she is Just Like a Star.  Raised in Leeds, Corrine Bailey Rae (Corrine Jaqueline Bailey) is the daughter of a Kittitian (St. Kitts) and European mother.  She is the oldest of 3 children, Corrine has 2 younger sister's.  Performing arts runs hot in this family, Corrine's sister, Rhea Bailey is an actress.  

Growing-up mulatto was not easy, Corrine was teased often by her peers for her really thick hair and fair complexion.  Corrine recalls being teased by other's.  "My sisters and I were different and people used to say, 'Ah, aren't they cute, the little chocolate children, and look at their hair.'  We all know the ramifications of such covert racism and the lasting effects on children.  Corrine learned from an early age to stand up for herself, she would correct those who ignorantly accused her of being a 'Paki' which is what the British called those who were from Pakistan.

One things for certain there is nothing covert about her talent.  She formed her first 'all girl' group called Helen in her mid-teens.  She focused on her craft and while in high school, Corrine studied classical violin.  Corrine has roots similar to singers from the states, she began singing in church.  Corrine's light could not be dimmed despite adversity.

Upon graduating high school Corrine was accepted at the University of Leeds and went on to earn a degree in English Literature in 2000 and had a job as a "hat girl" in a jazz nightclub.  It was in 2001, Corrine married the late Jason Rae.  Together, in love, Corrine continued to pursue music when sadly in March 2008, Jason was found dead in a London Hyde Park flat of an overdose.  The coroner's report indicated that Jason had methadone and alcohol in his system at the time of his death and have since ruled his death an accidental overdose.

~Finding Peace~

This year finds Corrine back after a 2 year hiatus since the death of her husband and she's on top of her game!  With a new c.d. entitled: The Sea, I have fallen in love with her song 'Closer' which debut on urban radio in February of this year.  Corrine has won the heart of Americans and has earned 2 Grammy's to date in categories of Album of The Year and Best Contemporary Jazz Album a collaboration with Herbie Hancock entitled: River: The Joni Letters.  I will proudly admit that I listen to Corrine's self entitled debut c.d. at least once a week.  Put Your Records On sold over 945,000 in downloads alone, is she phenomenal or what?  And I have no doubt that her most recent project will follow on the same heels of success.  Corrine, we love you here at Alana's Musical Diary....stay where you are, in the hot seat!