Maiysha's This Much Is True, marks the arrival of a striking new figure in the presently up-for-grabs realm of contemporary soul music. The debut album from the Brooklyn-based writer/artist is elegant and intelligent, hook... more »-laden and envelope-pushing; no wonder Maiysha and producer/co-writer/Eusonia founder Scott Jacoby prefer to describe their joint creation as progressive soul.
The album's dozen original songs, plus a radical reimagining of Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer reveal an artist blessed with a seductive voice, rarefied technical skill and acute emotional authenticity, as Maiysha examines the dualities of striving and setbacks, strength and vulnerability, languor and urgency, sensuality and spirituality. The settings recall soul's golden age-for the most part the arrangements are composed of real instruments played by skilled and knowing humans, starting with Jacoby himself on keyboards and drums-while also capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary existence. In a sense, this album could serve as the soundtrack to Man Gone Down, Michael Thomas' celebrated 2007 novel describing the challenges facing a young African-American intellectual in today's complex world. It's that deep and provocative. Features guest vocalists Bahamadia and Martin Luther.« less
Maiysha's This Much Is True, marks the arrival of a striking new figure in the presently up-for-grabs realm of contemporary soul music. The debut album from the Brooklyn-based writer/artist is elegant and intelligent, hook-laden and envelope-pushing; no wonder Maiysha and producer/co-writer/Eusonia founder Scott Jacoby prefer to describe their joint creation as progressive soul.
The album's dozen original songs, plus a radical reimagining of Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer reveal an artist blessed with a seductive voice, rarefied technical skill and acute emotional authenticity, as Maiysha examines the dualities of striving and setbacks, strength and vulnerability, languor and urgency, sensuality and spirituality. The settings recall soul's golden age-for the most part the arrangements are composed of real instruments played by skilled and knowing humans, starting with Jacoby himself on keyboards and drums-while also capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary existence. In a sense, this album could serve as the soundtrack to Man Gone Down, Michael Thomas' celebrated 2007 novel describing the challenges facing a young African-American intellectual in today's complex world. It's that deep and provocative. Features guest vocalists Bahamadia and Martin Luther.
"I try to keep up. I really do. Maybe I just don't know where to look. This came out in August 2008 and I just accidentally see it to give it a try in Jan 2009. I have heard a lot of crap in that time frame. Where do you go to find all the hype? Anyway, stone cold album. Song after song of top notch grooves. Mature, musically stunning, and vocally outstanding. I hope the word will get out about this album and this powerhouse star Maiysha."
Beautiful album shows maturity and impact of a sophisticated
Robert Holder | Columbia, MD | 01/16/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Very mature sound, creative writing, strong vocals. Of the songs that seem to be highlighted (Wanna Be, This Much Is True, Orbit, Chase), Wanna Be is the truly deserving one with its powerful track and lyrics. The strength of this album continues with the amazing "Hold Me", "Alchemy", the paradoxical "You Don't Know", the very intelligent "U.S.H", "Celebrity", and "Gods", and the tongue-in-cheek "Matter of Pride". The fun Sledgehammer and Over My Head are also worth noting.
Overall, this CD combines a lot of different sounds - rock, soul, funk, reggae - showing originality and appreciation of the art of making music. The seven years spent crafting this album were well worth it!"
"I have never listened to a new CD first track to last until this one. "Maiysha" was curiously engaging and delivered on every track. This much is true is a "must have" for serious musicologists!"