Maysa: Metamorphosis

2008 is the new benchmark for Maysa. She already contributed her velvety voice to Incognito’s Tales from the Beach this year, singing many of the most indispensable tracks on the album. Now she delivers a near equally superlative set of songs on her latest solo project for Shanachie, Metamorphosis.

After treading through an overcrowded sea of covers on Feel the Fire (2007), Maysa delivers ten original tunes written with famed producer Rex Rideout and two tracks penned by soul queens Ledisi and Angela Johnson. Each track is embroidered with Maysa’s distinct dusky timbre. The best of the bunch include the slinky album opener “Simpatico”, the tranquil groove of “Never Really Ever”, a rousing re-imagining of the Cooly’s Hot Box track “Happy Feelings” (written and produced by Angela Johnson), and the intoxicating beat of “Let’s Figure It Out”, a song inspired by Incognito leader, Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick. A smooth concoction of jazz and R&B, Metamorphosis is a soothing tonic that cleanses, caresses, and gently grips the soul.