Maysa
Biography
Baltimore-born and -raised jazz-soul singer/songwriter Maysa Leak embarked on a singing career at an early age; by the age of 6 she had already determined that she was going to be a singer, and she spent her elementary and high school days performing in choir and musical theater productions. Maysa majored in Classical Voice Performance at Morgan State University; during her studies there she began writing and recording original material. She also placed second in Baltimore's first annual Billie Holiday Vocal Jazz Contest and auditioned for Stevie Wonder's vocal group Wonderlove. She was accepted into the group but joined only after she had earned her degree from Morgan State.
Upon graduating, Maysa moved to North Hollywood to perform with Wonderlove on the Jungle Fever soundtrack and appeared in live and televised performances to promote the film. To pay her rent, Maysa also recorded jingles on her days off from performing with Wonderlove and worked at local record shops. In 1991, she was recommended to the British funk-jazz group Incognito by producer Steve Harvey, a mutual friend of Maysa's and of the band's leader, Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick.
Maysa moved to London and joined the band in time to record the 1992 album Scribes, Tribes & Vibes, which included the hit single "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing. " She also recorded the 1993 album The Positivity with Incognito before returning to Baltimore in 1994 to record her first solo album, Maysa. "What About Our Love," the album's single, reached number 52 on Billboard's Top 100 List. In 1997, Maysa returned to Incognito and recorded Beneath The Surface. During this time she began collaborating with the neo-blues group Grainger, and appeared on their album Phase 1; she has also recorded with Rick Braun, Rachel Z, Rhythm Logic, and Pieces of a Dream. Incognito's No Time Like the Future followed in 1999; her second solo album, All My Life (which was produced by Maunick), in 2000; and her third, Out of the Blue, in 2002. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
I love love love 'Friendly Pressure' off of her 'Out of the Blue' album. Beautiful song.
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I love Maysa's voice, Good Bye is one of my favorite songs by her. Fan for life!
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just seen Maysa last month with Najee and she was alright with me !!!!!!
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Maysa is the bomb-diggety . In concert, she puts on an awesome show---upbea t and sultry. Give her a try, she really knows her craft and how to play to a LIVE audience. It's very lively!!!
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Sorry, but I kept looking at her picture to see if she was actually a man. She has a deep but nice sultry night club voice. However, all her songs sound alike. She has a very monotone sound. I would fall asleep at her concert. She needs more vaiety in her songs. She sounds depressed, heartbroken or suicidal. YIKES !!!
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MAYSA I LOVE YOUR VOICE, YOU'RE ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED UNDERATED HARD CORE SINGERS THAT HAS GRACED THE WORLD WITH THEIR VOICE-DON'T STOP!
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Words cannot describe the respect and admiration I have for this wonderful woman, she is truly a professional and a great talent.
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All I can say is she's great. She has a well disciplined voice and should be a hit for years to come.
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I'll call her the female equivalent of guitarist Chuck Loeb. The reason for that is that she sings great with Incognito as well as with her own albums.
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SPEECHLESS.. . . . . N O T H I N G TO SAY.....YALL KNOW SHE IS THE BALM WHETHER SOLO OR WITH INCOGNITO... . . . . P E A C E YALL!!!
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I just love her sound and I'am one of her biggest fan. Baltimore raised of course. I've followed her music and career....Th i s young lady is truly BLESSED and very gifted. She has that "WOW Factor"!!!!
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I Love you Maysa keep doing what you do baby. God has truly blessed you,thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
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I Love this woman her music puts me in a trance it takes my mind on a journey far beyond it's indescribabl e . I live in Baltimore born and raised.I saw her perform live here in late October if i'm not mistaking.It was mindblowing all you hear from her is the same in person with or without instruments she sounds so beautiful i mean this woman is so incredible i can go on and on for days she is so so talented you have to experience it for yourself to see what i mean . She is truly truly blessed. Wo
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beautiful voice,lovely lady her music puts you in a mellow mood. takes your blues away and fills you with calm. keep doing what you do
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Maysa is like a soothing cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream on a cold winter, snowy day. You just can't go wrong! Her velvety vocals remind me of my days back in DC. If you've never heard Maysa before check out the track "Friendly Pressure" off her "Out of the Blue" CD. Sultry, jazzy soul! Los Angeles, CA
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Maysa you are truly one beautiful sultry singer that I'm so glad that I found you.God continue to bless you. from Venice Beach, C.A.
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Every since hearing Sweet Classic Soul...I have become a very big fan of this artist. I hope one day I get to see her in concert.
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She is by far my favorite female vocalist. I met her in person once and her personality is just as beautiful as her voice. The discography is missing her album "Smooth Sailing" which has one soul-stirrin g song after another. I love you Maysa!
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Maysa's voice is Liquid Gold....the best female singer out there right now.
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Have you ever had a moment when you hear an artist and go "I know that voice.." When I read her bio it blew me away to know I've heard her for years and didn't know it. Boy I wish I could start a radio station. She would be on my core artist list!
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Phenomenal-- - h a v e seen her in New York, Philadelphia and Buffalo. There is none better.
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I TRULLLY!!! LUUUUV THIS WOMAN HER VOICE IS SIMPLY VELVET AND SHE AINT BAD ON THE EYES NEITHER!!!
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Maysa and Incognito ...the Blend was great on her own she is still super her voice is honey to the ears!!!! saw her live, also fantastic a true soul/jazz voice!!!!
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ohhhh me thinks I need to go get me some of this! Looks like another trip to the record store!
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I absolutely love her smooth voice the different ranges she can perform! Outstanding jazz vocalist. She can sing for me anytime!
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