Maysa

My favorite thing is to listen to instrumental jazz jams. Some times I'll try a female vocalist, but I play it once or twice and that's the end of it. On very rare occasion, I hear someone who makes all that go out the window. I got a couple of "Incognito" CDs as a gift recently. They are a hell of a band and their lead vocalist Maysa Leak has an incredible voice and more talent than you can imagine. She makes my JBLs sound so good! :rockon2: If you haven't heard her, click on these links -- you will be glad you did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42LVlmW9WVE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wySgliqzac&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iViamUsDchg&feature=related

Like you, I hardly ever play vocalists. She (and the band) are certainly smooth and seamless. They do sound great, but very much mainstream delivery makes me run the other way. You know, to someone who sings directly to me, not the charts. If it is not to a Blues artist, it is to eccentric, unique talent. Like Regina Spektor. She plays the piano too. Just my taste, but I like her way better than Nora Jones, who I also enjoy. Regina's CD Begin To Hope is a knockout and was recorded so well she seems to be right in front of you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGTDRztaCCw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk2AI...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGBNFEjPl38&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHAhn...eature=related

This one is my favorite artist's take on the uses their own material is put to. Rated X It is called Bobbing For Apples.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwT7-...eature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p62rf...eature=related

Hi Clark -- Thanks for the links. I checked Regina Spektor out on my computer with a set of Sony headphones. I doubt that they do her justice. I heard some interesting influences that I really liked and the X-rated tune had me cracking up. I suspect that if I listend to her on any of my JBLs that she would grow on me enough to go shopping on amazon.com for some more.

I agree with you that The Maysa/Incognito stuff is mainstream enough to be considered smooth jazz. As a catgory, I don't like the stuff. Most of it is glorified elevator music. But, I think we will have to agree to disagree since IMHO, the stuff transcends the smooth jazz catgory it is lumped into. I had to listen to the stuff for a while and give it a chance to grow on me. A lot of music that I thought sucked the first time I heard it became lifelong favorites after a few listenings. Some of the songs are kind of goofy, but I still listen to the words, because there are others that are definitely talking to me. They are helping me through some hard time that I'm doing right now. Anyway, I respect your opinions and appreciate your response to my post.

Sorry, I didn't mean to come off like that. It is just that I was overjoyed to hear that someone else is vocal allergic.

I have some smooth Jazz favorites myself. At least they are usually considered smooth. Joyce Cooling, Paula Atherton, Norman Brown, Earl Klugh, George Benson, Chris Botti, Andy Sheppard when he goes that way (I like him even better when he plays heavy, like behind Barbara Dennerlein). It's the singers I usually can't get past. Yes, I know some of these people sing (Paula Atherton should not!), but mainstream vocals put me to sleep.

I am sorry you are going through some bad times. I understand how music helps. It is a place that life visits upon me often.

Clark