Search - Maysa :: Smooth Sailing

Sultry, smoky r & b/soul over smooth jazz grooves and feel g

P. Masuda | Encino, CA | 04/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Since this is my first Maysa album I read many of the other listener's glowing reviews first so that I may offer something different to the collection of opinions. Most strikingly Maysa's voice resembles the legendary Roberta Flack, as well as Anita Baker, and Lalah Hathaway. Track 5 (Where Do You Go?) sounds like a song that could have been on a Julie Dexter album, and if you aren't familiar with her, she is another fine jazz vocalist with a more Diana Ross range rather than the alto of Maysa. You will be reminded of Luther Vandross on track 7 and

10 (All day Long and One More Chance)not only in the instrumental track but in Maysa's vocal phrasing. The latter half of the album swings very much toward contemporary r & b and many of the background tracks sound like samples and loops you may have heard from some other artist on some other album. Overall many of the songs sound similar in arrangement and theme, but Maysa fans, don't be furious, if it wasn't for her gloriously rich vocals, I would not have listened so many times to rate this album one star below the highest rating. Regardless, you will find this a good album and love many of the songs, without a doubt!"