Name/Ja'Niah/Status/Temptress/Project/'Death By Sexy'

This artist will soon hit the air-waves and amass a fast and furious following.  Ja'Niah (Jah-nye-ah) has a message that will tempt you--in her musical direction, that is.  The northern California native knew she wanted to be a singer at the age of 5, and she continues to embrace the same passion for creating music which has an emphasis on soul and R&B.  Alana's Musical Diary was fortunate enough to catch-up with Ja'Niah now that she is touring the east coast visiting states like Connecticut with upcoming shows and appearances scheduled in New York and Massachusetts.  Ja'Niah is talented, beautiful, and she is the 'Death By Sexy' that she sings about. Let's learn more about Ja'Niah's origins, her music, and what's to come.

Ja'Niah's career began the moment she joined her school's choir which led to entering local talent shows.  This sexy Latina grew up enjoying the soulful sounds of Whitney Houston and the blues of Etta James.  Her style has been coined 'funky and edgy' and we here at the Diary agree but, Ja'Niah's sound also has subtle hints of techno with distinct futuristic overtones.  There is something enigmatic about this artist and that quality seems to place her ahead of the game.  'Death by Sexy' unleashes tracks that have pulsating beats with melodies that are sure to keep you bouncin.'  The title song 'Death by Sexy' alone is enough to let you know that it's Ja'Niah as the head vixen "in charge."  Ja'Niah's music sends a message of empowerment to women and like the mystery she is; her music offers enough to keep any man guessing yet, desiring more...

Produced under ISM Recordings, Ja'Niah has plenty to be proud of and she says her latest project is meant to be "hip, very classy, and fierce" and she's absolutely right.  Once you make a date to listen to this artist you may just finish and notice a big 'S' on your chest, but once you've had the chance to be in her midst you will  find a woman that has a tender, endearing, and passionate personality.  With a speaking voice that has an angelic melodic tone; Ja'Niah's ready to claim her rightful place in the industry.  Keep in mind, it's the juxtaposition of 'fierce mixed with sweet' that draws you in.  When the Diary asked Ja'Niah what was currently on her MP3 she gingerly answered "Keri Hilson, Rhianna, and Lady Ga Ga" to suggest a few.  Ja'Niah is not just a vocalist, she also writes, and we can be certain that she will have plenty of inspiration to draw upon.

With a new c.d. blazing Amazon.com and iTunes, it's clear Ja'Niah is paving the way for quite a career.  When speaking about producer's that Ja'Niah would like to work with she candidly names several producers to include the insanely talented Will.iam.  This leaves one to wonder what's next for Ja'Niah?  Ja'Niah remains optimistic that she will continue to perform and eventually come full-circle and 'don' the producer hat as well.  Ja'Niah has made it to our 'Hot Seat' because of the dedication and passion she has for music and for giving us artistry that allow women to celebrate who they are--and why of course, for possessing such a tempting tantalizing persona.  You sizzle Ja'Niah!


Photo's appear courtesy of: ISM Records & Ja'Niah

   

  

Sash La'Ki: One Woman Revolution!

If you're looking for inspiration, dedication, or perhaps a little rejuvenation then you've checked in on the right artist.  Sash La'Ki has made our 'Hot Seat' because she embodies the many qualities that make up a true artist.  With her new single 'Sky Blu Melody' Sash La'Ki has earned the title of 'trailblazer.'

Sash La'Ki, a Florida native began writing lyrics at the tender age of 9. While most of us were playing with dolls or racing Tonka trucks Sash had been honing her skills as a writer.  With music being part of her 'DNA' it would only seem befitting for Sash to be musically inclined.  Sash's mother is a former R&B singer and her father was a jazz musician.  Sash has had a terrific mentor in her older brother who is not only proficient in playing 1 instrument but, try 4!  Her talented brother plays the trumpet, trombone, drums, and add piano to his repertoire too.  Genius!

Alana's Musical Diary recently had the opportunity to sit with Sash and we learned a great deal about the artist who first entered a recording booth at the age of 15 to lay tracks--you have to respect the journey she has taken.  Soft-spoken and kind by nature, Sash first appeared on BET's 106th and Park and was given her introduction into the music industry via Timbaland's brother.  Sash has worked with several talented writers/ producers to include Attitude who has written songs for artists such as Nelly Fertado and Keri Hilson.  Sash has also worked with the southern gospel/alternative group Grits.  When Alana's Musical Diary asked Sash La'Ki to name a few artists that inspire her she did not hesitate to admit that India Arie's music is "uplifting," she loves the talented John Mayer, and Monica.  Sash is fond of Monica's "positivity" and she went on to state that she appreciates how Monica places "God first."  This is a true testament to Sash's character; she loves people, giving back to those less fortunate, and Sash remains spiritually in tune.  


As a writer, I am inspired by this artist and the first time I was given the opportunity to listen to 'Sky Blu Melody' I played it at least 15 times!  The beat, melody, and the lyrics enrapture the listener and the more you listen to the track, the more you come to appreciate Sash La'Ki's many gifts.

Balancing Music with Everyday Life 

Like so many women who give back, Sash La'Ki can be looked upon as a role model.  Sash is raising her lovely 10 year old daughter in Atlanta, GA and her schedule remains full.  Sash is no stranger to hard work as she balances family with performing, attending school, work, and giving back to different communities through her Kalonjii (Ka-lon-jye) organization which helps children in urban communities.  When Alana's Musical Diary asked Sash what was the mission of Kalonjii which was started in 2006, Sash candidly expressed that Kalonjii is a movement dedicated to helping bring balance and spirituality to low income families in addition to assisting Habitat of Humanity build homes in  inner-city communities.  Sash also explained the word 'Kalonjii' derives from Africa and has several meanings to include small black seed.  A seed one would use to cook with.  Sash has used the name metaphorically to express how she intends to take her grass-roots project and create a full movement.  Brilliant.

As Sash La'Ki continues to perform and trail blaze her way through music she is taking time to decide whether or not she'd like to be signed to a label or if she'd like to pursue owning her own 'indie' label.  She admits this is why she has a great deal of respect and admiration for Jay-Z.  Sash credits the rap impresario for having stellar leadership ability along with a great business mind.  Sash was fortunate to be apart of Jay-Z's Roc 4 Life contest and was extremely pleased with all of the support she received for her 'Sky Blu Melody' video. Alana's Musical Diary wanted to know who were the artists that Sash would aspire to work with in the future and she said "Monica, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and R&B artist Usher."  Sash loves the infusion of rap with R&B.  And finally, when asked how she balances it all she said something humble yet, profound and that was "prayer."  Sash La'Ki is a one woman revolution and she makes our 'Hot Seat' this month for her ingenuity, creativity, and spirituality.  We look forward to so much more from this talented artist.  It's all 'Blu Sky's' from here...

~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!   

  

    

Sssh... it's not the "B" Word....

it's Solange!

Alana's musical diary has returned for a New Year that will look to highlight artists that are  authentic and inspiring.  When I think of authenticity, I immediately think of Solange Knowles.  We will not use the "B" word in this article, Solange does not require the mention of an older popular sibling. 

I fell in love with Solange after watching a 'You Tube' performance of her while she toured with the Haley St. Dreams in Washington, DC-2008.  She sang to a packed crowd on a summer afternoon and my mouth would not close.  She has an "old soul" vibe about her and her music reflects this.  She is inviting to watch with a strong stage presence.  Her voice is incredible live and she understands the Motown era of music with ease.  At one point during the Washington, DC performance she was ambushed while on stage by some 'random' who wanted to sing and dance.  The man managed to bypass all security and get on stage.  As he danced, without a care in the world, security observed this intruder and immediately came to escort him off stage when Solange made it clear to security: "let him stay, he ain't hurtin' nobody" this was my moment of revelation about this young performer's personality.  Some other artist (*B*)  would have "freaked out" at the sight of some stranger on stage beside her, but Solange took the man's hands and danced and twirled making sure he felt special.  She ended her performance by thanking her back-up singer's, the band, and she turned and asked the "random" for his name, and thanked him.  Priceless!

The aforementioned is what sets some celebrities apart from their peers.  Solange has a mirage of professional credits from the entertainment industry that "we" somehow never get to hear about.  She has done everything from songwriting to acting and singing.  Her career began at the age of 14, and she showed music lovers that she was capable of singing a great hook when she performed on Lil' Romeo's "True Love" single.

Born 2 days after my own sister Selina,  Solange celebrates a June 24th birthday as a sensitive Cancer.  She has worked with such musical artists like Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, and The Neptunes.  I celebrate Solange because she epitomizes the artist who has to "earn" her way in an industry that is fickle when it comes to the success of 2 siblings doing the same type of work.  It is rare to see the success of 2 celebrity siblings in one art form (hence, Brandi and Ray J).  Unfortunately, one sibling always ends up being in the background of another sibling's foreground.  Solange has a chance of creating a niche in the music industry like sibling artist's: Janet & Micheal Jackson, provided she does not take long hiatus' with her music and continues to perform and tour.  We won't be able to help falling in love with her.  

No stranger to hard work and adversity, Solange has admitted to being diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)--it is my hope that through her charitable work she will bring more awareness to this common disorder and use her celebrity to help others.  She is also a strong advocate for "safe sex" campaigns since the birth of her son Daniel Julez at age 17.  She refers to "Julez" as her "unplanned blessing."  We can only hope after the success of her last c.d. that Solange will soar with many new projects to come.  If there is ever a chance to see this "little Dipper" live, I suggest you take it.  She shines bright amongst a galaxy of many other stars.

Solange, we salute you as the first journal entry here at Alana's Musical Diary for 2010!

Classic Keiko

If there were ever a genre of music that I never tire of its Smooth Jazz.  Whether I have it on in the car, echoing in my home via XM (satellite) radio, or sitting in some large auditorium awaiting a concert nothing relaxes me more than the sweet sounds of contemporary jazz.  In 2007, I had the opportunity to see and meet Keiko Matsui (Keiko Doi) at the {once again} acclaimed Birchmere Theatre in Alexandria, VA.  Keiko was classically magnificent!

Keiko Matsui, 46 years old, was born and raised in Tokyo and began her first classical piano lesson at the age of 5.  Keiko's mother believed the Japanese tradition that states if children are introduced to musical study at a young age they are more inclined to continue.  And continue to study Keiko did.  Keiko began composing her own music while in junior high school and this is where she began to take an interest in jazz.  Post graduating the Japan Women's University, Keiko continued to study music under the Yamaha Music Foundation.  Her affiliation with the Yamaha Foundation landed her the opportunity to come to the United States at 19 years old to work on her first project with producer now husband, Kazu Matsui.  Kazu has produced all of Keiko's project's to date.

It is noted that some of Keiko's influences are Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, and Maurice Jarre.  Watching this petite powerhouse on stage is something of a phenomena.  Keiko not only plays classical piano but in the middle of her performance she will also transfer over and play the keyboards.  Her performance is non-stop and each selection leaves you awestruck by her amazing talent.

Reaching beyond the scope of music Keiko is also known for her charitable contributions.  Keiko gives so much of herself to her charitable causes and supports known causes such as the Marrow Foundation and the National Marrow Donor Program.  Keiko has dedicated 2 projects to charitable causes.  In 1997, Keiko donated proceeds from her A Gift of Hope to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and again in 2004, with her Wildflower project with all proceeds going to the United Nations World Food Program.  It's an artist like this that makes the "hot seat" even hotter.

If you are smooth jazz enthusiast, I am more than confident that you will love the music of Keiko and I encourage anyone who hears of an upcoming concert date to rush at the chance to see this classical pianist.  Keiko will leave you inspired by her gifts and you will continue to check tour dates because she is an artist that leaves you wanting more.  We salute you, Keiko!