b. 14, 2010

When we spoke to Maysa back in September 2009, her album, Metamorphosis, was still riding high. Little did we know that another hot album, A Woman in Love, was in the making.  Discovering that, and having so enjoyed our last chat with this charming songbird, we eagerly returned to chat again, and we were not disappointed. We’re sure you won’t be, either.

TSJR: When we last talked, you’d just knocked it out of the park with the self-portrait, Metamorphosis. Now, you’re back with another heavy-themed album, A Woman In Love, in large part, a nod to the classics (Maysa style) and with the firm statement that “Real Music is Back!” What do you mean by that?

MAYSA: Well, I mean that people are going for substance now. We’ve been bombarded with MTV and this attitude of “Let’s get a little woman and let’s show off our bodies and sell a million records.”  People are really getting tired of that now. There’s still the pop culture, kids going into puberty who are still impressed by that stuff, but even many of those kids, and those a little older, are turning to music that really touches their lives and touches their souls and are more mature about music now. Also, parents are exposing their children more to this music because they are tired of hearing women being called derogatory names in the music; so they’re trying to pay more attention to what their kids listen to and they just want better music for them.
 
TSJR: You chose some great tunes to honor, and honor them you did. What thought went into picking those tunes?
 
MAYSA: A few of them were suggested by the record label. Most are tunes that I cut my teeth on.  You know, I’m into a lot 70s music and I was into a lot of jazz singers when I was coming up, artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington. I used to listen to them over and over. So, the songs that I chose were the songs that I love the most.

TSJR: Your love and respect for your peers and those who paved the way for you are so very commendable. You mentioned how Melba Moore was the influence that propelled you into music.  Now, Melba is on your Shanachie label. Have you met her?
 
MAYSA: No, not yet. Only online. She’s sent me some beautiful quotes, really encouraging things, online.  Just to be able to talk to her on MySpace and Facebook and all of those sites, it’s just beautiful and overwhelming, and it touches my heart every time she does it.

TSJR: Are you still considered part of Incognito, or do you just put in occasional guest appearances?

MAYSA: Yes, I’m still with Incognito. Actually, I’m on the brand new CD that’s coming out this year. I actually talked to Bluey last weekend, and he wants me to do a couple of more songs for it. I’m still very much involved with them and always will be.  I just took some time off to get my solo career established and get my name known here in America as a solo artist.

TSJR: You made a statement in your press release that basically served as a challenge for all vocalists and musicians. You said “No more fake singing, no more fake playing. Either do this right, or find another line of work.“ Do you care to elaborate on what you meant by fake singing and fake playing?

MAYSA: Yes. When I was growing up, if you couldn’t sing, you just didn’t try. (laughter).  Today, everybody thinks they can sing because they do some karaoke. Karaoke, a flat stomach and a bit of good looks, and you’re a star. That’s just not fair to those who are talented.  Then, there was no acceptance of mediocrity, and that seems to be the norm now, and that’s terrible.

TSJR: An artist we interviewed recently stated that new artists need to invest in themselves more seriously. Spend that money that you’re afraid to spend on your own future. Hone that talent so that you are truly ready when you’re called up to the mike. He said, “Many are just not ready yet. They need more work.”  Do you agree with that assessment? And what would you add to that as advice to these young up-and-coming musicians?

MAYSA: I just think artists need to work more on their own sound and style. Stop trying to be the next Rhianna or the next Beyonce.  Make sure you know who you are and just focus on that.  Now, Lady Gaga--I love her because she can take a little of everybody and still be herself. Not only that, she has these wild costumes and does all of that crazy stuff. But the thing is, the girl can really sing and plays piano, as well. So, go to the basics and get all the training you can.  Do that and you’ll have a long time in the industry.

TSJR: So, what’s become of the Underground Divas? Are they still together? Any CD on the horizon?

MAYSA: Oh, we’re still together. Right now, we’re just looking for the funding to go on a world tour.

TSJR: What about any A Woman in Love tour? Is that happening and where?

MAYSA: Yes, we’re working on that now. It’s just taking forever to get these promoters on board. Once I get to a town, I always sell out, but it seems to take a while for the promoters to get on board.  One thing that’s happening is that I got asked to be on the Monique show; so, that should be great. I’m just waiting for a date from my manager.

TSJR: You co-wrote a tune on the album with Will Downing.

MAYSA: Yes, “Love Theory.” Chris “Big Dog” Davis actually wrote the music for it, and I was supposed to write the lyrics, but I said, “You know, this song should be a duet,” and I asked him “Who can we get?” We thought about such people as Lalah (Hathaway) and others and then I asked “Hey, do you think Will would do it?” He said “Yeah, just call him.” So, I called him and tried sweet talking him (laughs).  He said “Sure, baby. Send the song over.” Within a day, he had written so much of the song, it was just unbelievable. I wrote the chorus and the bridge, and he wrote the rest of it. You know, the way it works is just magic sometimes.

TSJR: We would love for you to do something in Spanish one day.
 
MAYSA: You know what? You’re reading my mind! That’s exactly what I plan to do. I had planned to do something in Portuguese, but it’s so complicated.  Actually, I want to do a tribute to the singer, Mariza. We have so much in common. Sometimes, I feel that she’s a part of me. We both use just one name, we each have only one son, we each started our careers with a guitar player,  we both favor the color blue, we both are known for our vocal style and tone. It’s just weird.  I definitely want to do something on her. She sings in both Spanish & Portuguese.

TSJR: This has been great, Maysa.  Thanks so much. Please keep in touch, and all the best with A Woman in Love.

MAYSA: Thank you so much.


There are those who simply don’t believe that hard work, talent, and, yes, personality just aren’t necessary to be a success in this community of ours called smooth jazz. We just interviewed the antithesis of that assertion.