Benjy Myaz

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"Benjy Myaz takes two years for 'Higher' start"

Recording Love You Higher took Benjy Myaz a year. And actually getting around to releasing it took another year. Then another year passed before it was released on his debut album, Intimate Relationship.
Still, that three-year period, from recording in 1994 to including the Randy Crawford remake on the musician turned vocalist's (but still very much the musician) first full-length album in 1997, falls short of the time Myaz was singing Love You Higher on the north coast circuit.
He had been delivering the song on the cabaret circuit since 1986. And to say that he put the song down on tape is not quite accurate. It did get to tape eventually (Tony Holness played Love You Higher from cassette when it was first played on the radio), but Myaz recorded the song the digital way at 93 East Studio in downtown Kingston.
"It was done at the only digital studio in Jamaica at the time," Myaz said, crediting Trevor Bailey for getting him into digital recording.
He took his time recording and releasing Love You Higher as "it was my first piece (as a vocalist) coming out. It was important to get all the elements together". Those included jazz, R&B and roots reggae "as well as listening to the voice over and over again to make sure".
"It was important to get it right," Myaz emphasised to The Sunday Gleaner.
He had long had the arrangement pat when he started recording, but called in Paul Kastick to programme the drums just right (Myaz points out that there is a 'Bob Marley style' at the beginning), Andrew Simpson played rhythm and R&B-style guitars, while he played bass guitar and keyboards, with additional keyboards by Christopher Birch. Junior Jazz did the backing vocals.
The mixing was done with Lynford 'Fatta' Marshall at Mixing Lab, where the saxophone was done by Howard Messam. Then came the next year before Myaz finally released Love You Higher.
"It was mixed and in my vehicle for about a year. I was still playing bass, travelling with Jimmy Cliff," Myaz said. And there was something else. "I was learning the song as well, how to sing it on the real reggae rock, not the north coast," Myaz said.
It was generation next which made him realise that he had a hit on his hands, as his daughter started picking up on the chorus.
After Tony Holness debuted Love You Higher on radio from a cassette, Myaz did a 'test press' of the song, cutting six records and sending them out without labels. When Donovan Dacres played the song in a Mystery Voice feature on JBC Radio One, nobody could guess who the singer was.
Love You Higher, released on Valentine's Day, 1996, properly labelled and all, quickly made an impact and has gone on to be an enduring love song in the annals of Jamaican music. It did not hit the upper echelons of the charts, though, Myaz saying that it moved in stages from number 40 to just under the top 10.
And was stopped by payola - or the lack thereof.
"I did not get involved because I did not have the resources or the intention to take my career like that," Myaz told The Sunday Gleaner, adding that he does not believe he should spend money to produce a good quality song and then pay more to have it played on radio.
And he pointed that "I have never been one to watch the charts that way", explaining that for him, music was not just about what was popular. A slogan on his website states "chasing the creativity, not the competition".
Myaz said he was "very fortunate and happy" to not only meet Randy Crawford, but to also perform with her in 2002 at Jamaica House, where "I did my second verse and she did her first verse". While that performance was "intimate", the 2000 Reggae Sumfest International Night performance was "wow!"
"People kept stopping the song, kept pulling up," Myaz said. And a scrapbook shot on his website shows a newspaper clipping of Myaz, hand in the air, under the headline 'Sumfest 2000 ends on high note'.
"And that song is still getting forward," Myaz said.

*****

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"Myaz stays 'Hooked' on dancehall"

Benjy Myaz said when he recorded Love You Higher, "I ended up playing not live bass, but synthesiser bass". It was a strategic move to keep the song relevant to the dancehall.
Myaz makes it clear that for him, dancehall is not a beat, but a space, and Love You Higher is a dancehall song. So is Hooked On You, his new song which will be released in mid-September. "We have done the video and we are very excited," Myaz told The Sunday Gleaner. In addition, he says it has been getting good rotation on a number of radio stations.

live music

In the mid-1990s, when Myaz was recording Love You Higher, he says the digitised Steelie and Cleavie sound was closing out and live music was coming back to the forefront. Myaz chose to go with what was seeming to fade, rather than the sound that was apparently on the rise.

"I wanted to stay in the dancehall. I wanted to put the sound system vibe into it," Myaz said. He said that Time is another street hit that got a lot of play in the dancehall, while Show Your Love had a different feel.

He has put another influence into one mix of Hooked On You, as "I've been listening to a lot of dub in recent years". These include songs by Agustus Pablo, Sly and Robbie and Scientist. So he has done a 'radio bounce' of the song for the airwaves and a 'street bounce' for the sound systems.

"This particular mix is a reflection of where my mind was," Myaz said.

And his mind is not going back to what he could have done to make Love You Higher any better, as "I would not change Love You Higher for anything". Still, "there are things I could have sung better".

Myaz said he has learnt "to be bothered more by my expression than my notes. Some people are perfect, but have no feeling. I am still a perfect pitch person in my ears, but I have learnt to let go of that".

And then there are the fans, who will merrily sing along, feeling expression much more than note-perfect singing.

- Mel Cooke


- by Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer.. Published: Sunday August 30, 2009

BENJY MYAZ STRIKES THE RIGHT NOTE FOR AUTISM
By Basil Walters Observer staff reporter
Friday, March 20, 2009

With an increasing number of local entertainers becoming more caring and reaching out to the less fortunate among their fellowmen, recording artiste, vocalist/musician and producer Benjy Myaz once more strikes the right chord.

Myaz.... it's within my mission statement to help autistic kids in Jamaica, those talented ones
Joining the growing list of Jamaican artistes who are a part of the trend of going beyond just highlighting in their music unsavoury social conditions affecting their communities and the world at large, Benjy Myaz, has decided to use his multi-faceted talents in championing two well-deserved causes for which he is seeking the assistance of the United Nation.

The vehicle he intends to use to achieve this goal is his latest project, which is his first instrumental set out of four recorded albums to date. The proceeds from the sale of this 16-track product, titled You've Got Me, will be donated to help children suffering from autism in Jamaica as well as starving kids in Darfur, Africa.

"A part of this project will be dedicated to the Autistic Association or whatever organisation that deals with autism in Jamaica," Benjy Myaz told Splash. "That's within my mission for a very long time," he goes on, "That's within my mission statement to help autistic kids in Jamaica, those talented ones. I'll be using the money from that production to help them to be trained in music. So that's already an established thing in my mission statement."

Autism is a brain development disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour among young children. Explaining his other commitment about which he speaks passionately the highly professional musician has added his voice to the international crusade called Save Darfur Project.

"Darfur has become a second project for me. So we'll do autism in Jamaica, helping kids who have musical talent who have autism, and we'll go outside of Jamaica and we'll be assisting Africa where we can in terms of starvation. So this project is dedicated to the whole Save Darfur Project. So that's why I am planning to address this whole thing with the United Nations and try to get them on board before I release the project. As a part of a global commitment from them to me to help me launch the product even in other places apart Jamaica," Benjy Myaz said.

Sharing with this reporter, the reason behind his motivation for taking on the Save Darfur Project, he related the following experience. "In 2000 I had the opportunity to play with Jimmy Cliff at the International Telefood Festival in Ocho Rios, at James Bond Beach. And while I was eating backstage, I recognised why we were there playing. I recognised we were there playing to raise money to buy food for starving children around the world. I decided to get involved by seeking out which country would appeal to me more to be part of such movement and Darfur seems to be one of the countries with nuff, nuff, nuff starvation and whole heap of drought and all these things. Seven years no rain. "

It's not surprising therefore that included on You've Got Me are covers of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On and Dennis Brown's Love Has Found Its Way (in my heart today), now taking on a deeper meaning than the original. Then there is also the Randy Crawford smash, Knocking On Heaven's Door.

"Sixteen tracks on the CD, all instrumentals. The album is called You've Got Me. It features my bass guitar because that's my passion instrument. I play several instruments, but that's the special instrument because of the inspiration from Stanley Clarke and all the great bass players. I wanted to do an album that would feature the bass guitar up front as a melody instrument to bring forward a different presentation of the bass. There are certain songs with harmonies and scathing, because it is a jazz-fused album with reggae fusion....but there's no song featuring a lead vocal... it's a different concept. This will be my fourth album. But my first instrumental project. This project has been in production even before I recorded vocals (for the first time) in 1993.

This is a gift from me to the world," explained Benjy. - Jamaica Observer (Friday, March 20, 2009)

LIVE MUSIC AT ITS BEST FROM BENJY MYAZ AND FRIENDS

Basil Walters
Friday, June 19, 2009

For singer, musician, producer Benjy Myaz, it has all come full circle, and that is the revival of jam-sessions where musicians perform in small, informal spaces. It was in this setting, he along with friends, gave a celebratory performance at Christopher's Jazz Cafe located inside the Quad in New Kingston, last Thursday.

Whether on vocals or on the bass guitar, the versatile entertainer was at his best during his stint at the event he hosted a week ago in keeping with the re-emerging trend of live music. Smooth jazz blending with reggae and R&B seldom sounded better.

In casual wear reflecting his laid-back mood, Benjy Myaz was a picture of consistency as he repeatedly provided a texture of easy-listening grooves. To be on the receiving end of his musical styling of old jazz standards like Teach Me Tonight, R&B stuff such as People Make the World Go Round, Bob Marley's Turn Your Light Down Low, Small Axe and Get Up Stand Up, was an experience to cherish.

Tugging at the strings of his favourite guitar, Myaz continued to strike the right chords on The Closer I Get to You and What's Going On. Every now and then the eclectic performer would diversify his musical menu by displaying his vocal efficacy with offerings such as his 1995 reggae cover of Randy Crawford's smash Love Me Higher, via which he broke into the mainstream idiom, Till The End of Time, Love Has Found Its Way, with a few originals like Lovers Paradise and Time thrown in for good measure. His segment in tribute to rocksteady was also appealing and his duets with special female vocalists Leiba and Alisa, with whom he performed Give A Little More Loving and Eternal Love were no less entertaining.

For the patrons, the rendition of Eternal Love was a sneak preview of the single to be out shortly featuring Alisa. The duet will be released by Music Werks Productions. In her own right Alisa enlivened the gig with Stepping Out of Babylon and Vice Versa Love. And so was Leiba in her take of Let's Stay Together. - The Jamaica Observer (June 19, 2009)

Friday, November 27, 2009
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/results/BENJY

ACCORDING to musician, vocalist, song-writer Benjy Myaz, "A fine line separates musicians who play music to live and those who live to play music. I live to play music ... it is my life."
And that, on one level, sums up Benjy Myaz. But on another level there is so much more to this intense musical being. Reclusive is one word that readily comes to mind to describe Benjy, and that's because he's usually locked away in the studio, doing what he does best. But Benjy is also a man with a few passions other than music, one of which is giving back.
With the release of his latest CD, Benjy Myaz: You've Got Me, the artiste made known his intention at his recent album launch to channel part-proceeds to the local association for autism, headed by journalist Maia Chung. According to Benjy, "God has given me a mission. This idea has been in my heart for a long time ... ever since I participated in the Telefood Project with Jimmy Cliff some years ago."
He pledged his total commitment to this effort, even to the extent of seeking funding for the organisation through agencies such as UNICEF. Benjy feels that this CD, with its calming, healing music, is the perfect vehicle for this special project. "Oh ... and it's also the perfect Christmas gift," he added.
Benjy, not surprisingly, is a firm believer in the power of music to effect change and speaks passionately about the need for music lessons to be a part of every child's experience in school. "Music will lick out this Gaza/Gully thing," he said. "We need to give our children music sheets and teach them to read music. Every primary school child needs to have a recorder and start out playing One Note Boogie," he said explaining the importance of learning that one note. "It teaches consistency and discipline."
He reminisced on his days at Herbert Morrison High School and the lasting effect of the music curriculum there on his own life achievements. "After perfecting One Note Boogie, we were then moved to to actually playing the recorder and then we got the opportunity to join the school band," the musician recalled.
Herbert Morrison, from as early as 1976, benefitted from a union with Indiana State University which would send music teachers to assist with the curriculum. Myaz stated, with immense pride, that 75 -- 80 per cent of the touring musicians are products of Herbert Morrison High.
A bass player extraordinaire, Myaz, while a member of the Riddim Kings Band, toured with several artistes, including Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Shinehead and JC Lodge. He was also the bassist for the chorale Sounds Of Blackness.
His newest offering, You've Got Me, is the first album of its kind ever produced in Jamaica, featuring the sound of the bass as the lead instrument.
He says this instrumental album was a special challenge as he "continues to chase the creativity ... not the competition".
Benjy states in the liner notes, "Over the years, musical geniuses such as Jaco Pastorious, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, John Pattatucci, to name a few, have advanced the technique of utilising the bass, not only as a root instrument, but also to hold together the melody of a song. With this influence, I was challenged to do so within the genre of my own musical accomplishment."
You've Got Me has been on the threshhold since 1993, and as Benjy points out, he has since completed an average of one song per year on this 16-track composition.
"It's been a long time in the making," he admits, "and it came out capturing my many moods over the years."
-- - The Jamaica Observer -Yasmine Peru

Multi-instrumentalist and singer Benjy Myaz (who plans on adding drums to his playing credentials) officially presented his latest album, You've Got Me, to the public last Wednesday evening.

There were praises all around for Myaz at Waterfalls, Liguanea, St Andrew. The speakers included Jamaica Federation of Musicians president, Desmond Young; Broadcasting Commission chairman, Cordel Green; Dr The Reverend Alvin Bailey; and broadcaster Patrick LaFayette.

The last ran through some of the album's 16 songs with his recorded opinions on the songs and, as clips of each was played, bounced on his toes and occasionally added an enthusiastic live comment to what he had already set down for posterity.
So the title track You've Got Me was deemed "an invitation to a meal well prepared and served", while Between the Sheets (featuring Howard Messam) is "powerfully sexy". With the bass guitar and saxophone sharing lead billing, Lafayette said "the bass is mature, not intimidated or daunted".

"The music jus' push up itself in your face," LaFayette recorded about Down in Jamaica, adding a joyful, "big tune"! as the music was played. Time Together was dubbed "a fitting representation of a time well spent together", while the mood and tempo of Intimate Relationship Pt 2 supplied the environment for intimate thoughts and words.

"One thing you will discover as you go through is that Benjy is a brilliant musician," LaFayette said.

However, by far the evening's most touching public input came from Maia Chung, whose Autism and Disabilities Foundation is slated for a financial shot in the arm from You've Got Me. "I am touched. It has been a very difficult road to get money to support autism causes in Jamaica," she said.

With immense financial burden placed on the parents of autistic children, Chung said there are people literally dying of hunger because they cannot leave their autistic child to go out and work. She added that women were also considering prostitution because of the sheer financial need.

autistic child killed

She pointed to a 2007 case of a six year old being beaten to death because the adult did not know what autism was and thought the child was simply being rude. Chung enlightened those present, who may not have known the signs of autism, that it is characterised by repetitive behaviour, rocking and flapping motion and delayed speech.

"It is neurological, so the child can come across as being spoilt," Chung said.
She said the work of the foundation is hard and she is supported by a strong team and people, like Myaz, who stepped in out of the blue.

"I am looking forward to the success of this album for many reasons," Chung said, to laughter. "Thank you for being such a great guy," she said directly to Myaz.

In the question-and-answer segment of the launch, Myaz said he chose to contribute towards the autism cause based on his personal musical experience. "Autism is something I have seen. I have seen musicians and after a while I figured there was something going on," he said.
He added, to murmurs of assent from members of the audience, that "a lot of musicians who are autistic are very talented", this including young children. He is very much into teaching and "to see autistic musicians play is a joy. I like to see them on keyboards. They remember everything."
Myaz also intends to support relief efforts in Darfur with proceeds from You've Got Me.
- The Sunday Gleaner - Mel Cooke,

By Basil Walters Observer staff reporter
Friday, November 20, 2009
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/results/164126_Mercenaries-in-Jamaica-s-pop-culture-says-Cordel-Green

While hailing Myaz is an artiste whose outlook defies the spurious argument that artistes should just give the people what thay want, executive director of the Broadcasting Commission, Cordel Green asserted that there are mercenaries in the country's pop culture.
After quoting from Bob Marley's Zimbabwe; "...soon we'll find out who are the real revolutionaries. And I don't want my people to be tricked by mercenaries", Green declared: "today, there are mercenaries in the leadership of Jamaica's popular culture - populists who are pursuing personal agendas for self-aggrandisement, while pretending to be concerned about and supportive of the masses."
Citing Myaz as a catalyst whose mantra separates him from musicians who play music to live and those who live to play music, Green argued the notion that artistes are simply a reflection of society is false
and misleading.
"They (the artistes) do not only 'reflect', they influence. If it were otherwise, they would never be as powerful as they are," the Broadcasting Commission's official told members of the press and music fraternity at the launch of Benjy Myaz's fourth album, You've Got Me, at the Waterfall on Wednesday evening.
"Artistes love their individual world view, philosophy and ideologies which shape the messages they create, influence their fans and direct culture in various ways," the guest speaker added.
Lauding Myaz as a disciplined, accomplished arranger, songwriter, performer, producer, and musician extraordinaire, Green expressed concern about the unveiling of the album, if it would receive its true critical acclaim and exposure.
"This is because," he said, "the media and the country are very busily engaged in a debate about music, which unfortunately is limited to a feud between two deejays, while relegating other talented constructive artistes to a footnote."
Speaking as the musical ombudsman of sorts, Cordel Green - in obvious reference to the ongoing Gully/Gaza saga - added; "Some of you might expect me to address this feud in some detail. I will not. For the simple reason that I refuse to focus attention on the wrong set of artistes, or to feed into what is a contrived, vicious, circular, and irresponsibly dangerous PR stunt."
The president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, Desmond Young also appealed to the local media to give Benjy Myaz's latest set the exposure it deserves. "Aside from the negatives that our media often exposed in terms of Jamaican music, a production like this I hope will be given maximum exposure. and push an artiste like Benjy Myaz to the fore," said Young.
Proceeds from the sale of You've Got Me will help children suffering from autism in Jamaica as well as starving kids in Darfur, Africa. "Autism is really prevalent here in Jamaica and I have been operating my foundation for just under two years and then Benjy made contact with us. and I believe that just putting such a fantastic piece of music behind the cause of autism will stand as testimony for your work. I am touched because I believe it's really a difficult road to get support for autism's causes, instititions, families here in Jamaica," said the Autism Foundation of Jamaica's Mia Chung who was roundly applauded.
A commentary on the album was given by broadcaster, motivational speaker and CEO of Twin Audio Network, Patrick Lafayette. But before that, the audio producer quipped: "Mi nah pay a cent to no disc jockey fi play my music. I think it's a travesty. One should not, after one spent so much money to produce one's music..."
It was soon time for Benjy Myaz to extend his appreciation ahead of engaging his guests with a brief highlight of his musical journey, climaxing with a short stint playing cuts from his instrumental set, You've Got Me. - Basil Walters Observer staff reporter

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Benjy Myaz' 'Werks' delight at RedBones
published: Wednesday | October 8, 2008

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

At times Benjy Myaz relaxed on a high stool and led with his guitar, at other points he came front and centre and led with his voice, still with plucking the strings. Sometimes his voice stood on its own, at one point it alternated with special guest A'lisa, at others it gave way to Charmaine Limonius, just as he did with the guitar and saxophone of Courtney Fadlin.

In all cases the musician and singer, along with the band, delighted the overflowing turnout at RedBones Blues Café, Braemar Avenue, New Kingston, on Friday night, the 'My Werks' man also presenting his new and improved website.

When the instruments led the harmony of Connie and Sherida, both decked out in black and seated on high chairs, helped keep the rapt audience up to speed on the songs that were being played. Not that many would not have recognised 'Just My Imagination' and 'My Girl'.

It was a justifiably pleased looking Myaz who eased off his perch to officially greet everyone and introduce Fadlin, who he joshed about being a lecturer at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. The saying that those who can do and those who can't teach definitely did not apply, the ladies holding the harmony of In My Dreams as the horn came through clean and clear. Guitarist and saxophonist stood shoulder to shoulder and played at first, then Myaz retreated as Fanti took it away, returning front and centre to scat as he played.

Fadlin switched to clarinet for a higher pitch on Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone to very good effect.

Nice touch

Before intermission, Myaz sang of loving matters, informing all that it's "never too late to stop and love". An off-stage host, a nice touch to the presentation, ran through some of the songs that had been played, including People Make the World Go Round and announced the 2008 Digicel Rising Stars winner, an outcome which seemed to satisfy most.

Myaz did more vocals in the second segment, requesting "come on and give it up" and crooning about Time, then cutting to AJ Brown's My Father My Friend. Love You Higher got an early restart as the crowd cheered and then Myaz left it largely up to his Friends. Fadlin returned, making way for Charmaine Limonius who stepped up in an impressive floor length purple dress over high heels. She played as she sang Should I, acknowledging the song's writer Dwight Pinkney, who was in the audience, giving her distinctive lilt to the standout number to good effect.

A'lisa took the house down repeatedly, taking on Barrington Levy's high-pitched Vice Versa Love to begin and closing also in the upper realms with Many Rivers To Cross. In between it was rockers to a rocking audience with Too Experienced and a Beres Hammond into Marcia Griffiths combination as Can You Play Some More ran into Feel Like Jumping and a touch of One Scotch.

And Myaz combined with Alisia for their recording Eternal Love, starting with R&B, going into reggae and coming back to R&B to end.

Myaz took the successful night out with more vocals, the Bee Gees How Deep Is Your Love following The Gleaner out of RedBones onto Braemar Avenue - The Gleaner

Basil Walters, Observer staff reporter
Wednesday, October 08, 2008

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/html/20081007T230000-0500_141080_OBS_BENJY_MYAZ_AND_FRIENDS___POLISHED__SOOTHING__INSPIRING.asp

It certainly was not a night of "long story short", as Benjy Myaz called his last album released three years ago. On the contrary, with the help of friends singers A'Lisa, Charmaine Limonius and the Guyanese born saxophonist Courtney Fadlin, Myaz, the artiste, on Friday, gave the full length at the Red Bones Blues Café.

A singer, bass player and producer, Benjy delivered a most electic set covering a wide range of moods from a twist of blues, modern contemporary jazz, neo-classic soul to hardcore reggae. In the intimate setting, it was made for easy listening.

Beginning his stint rather slowly with a string of cool instrumentals, his jazz flavoured groove of People Make the World Go Round, defined the tone the show would take.

"Red Bones, how you doing, hope you're having a good time, Welcome Connie and Sherina on the bandstand," Myaz greeted patrons who received him warmly.

He then introduced his first guest for the night, saxophonist, Courtney Fadlin. The Atlanta-based hornsman and Berklee College graduate, who is on a teaching stint at the Edna Manley College for the Performing Arts, featured on Stevie Wonder's Creeping - it was a combination of beautiful elements of smooth jazz skillfully played.

Even though at times not getting the best out of his voice, more soothing, inspiring selections came in the form of a polished rendition of There's No Sunshine When She's Gone, Stop, Look, Listen to Your Heart (the first vocal offering of the night by Benjy Myaz) Just My Imagination, My Girl, Anniversary, Love Is Where You Find It.

After a short interval, Benjy Myaz continued to tickle the mind with his vocalisation of Give A Little More Loving. Then it was time for some rocking reggae numbers such as My Father, My Friend, Give It Up (True Love), Leave It To Time and I Love You Higher featuring Courtney Fadlin.

Armed with her guitar, the chripy multi-lingual Charmaine Limonius gave a spirited performance in English and Spanish of How Could I Leave, and Tonight in tandem with Benjy Myaz.

Next up was A'Lisa with Visa Versy Love, the Dennis Brown's classic, Love and Hate, Too Experienced, and Beres Hammond's Can You Play Some More.

"The whole thing was to bring out a certain texture which is not the norm, to play old songs with a modern twist. This is a contemporary jazz kind of vibes. It is a reflection of what my instrumental album is going to be like. The album which is going to come out very soon. It is called You Got Me. But we're going to have more roots reggae rocking tracks with that kind of melody on top," Benjy Myaz told the Observer. - The Jamaica Observer

http://www.jahworks.org/music/features/benjy_myaz.htm

A Long Time Coming
Benjy Myaz: "Long Story Short"
Story and Photos by Stan Evan Smith 2.17.06

“My love for music drives my creativity. Music is not just a job; I have a very deep love for it. I've made my sacrifices for the music to be on this level, the money is secondary. I'm about chasing creativity, not the competition." --Benjy Myaz

As a jazz instrumentalist and bassist, Benjy Myaz has made his mark in Jamaican music as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. Benjy's last record was released in 2000. The question on the lips of lovers’ rock fans has been, "What has Benjy Myaz been doing since the release of his last CD, Time Together [VP Records, 2000]?"

Myaz has been in a long protracted struggle to musically survive, but his belief in his dream has allowed him to persevere. During his five-year hiatus, Myaz did not allow the grass to accumulate under his feet. His musical creativity was not stifled.

He did not release singles like other singers have done, and did not get caught up in the one rhythm-driven compilation phenomenon dominating the reggae market, yet still he remained quite busy musically. During this time, Myaz demonstrated his broad breath, versatility and command of music by composing, producing, writing, arranging, collaborating and singing. His efforts culminated in two CDS--his eagerly awaited and much anticipated LONG STORY SHORT, released under the aegis of JAMPRO in Jamaica in November 2005 (with future release dates planned for Florida and New York); the second, a work in progress, is an instrumental album titled, YOU’VE GOT ME, a first of its kind in Jamaica, featuring the bass as the lead instrument.

Fusion musicians like George Duke, Herbie Hancock, premier bassists Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke inspired the concept for YOU’VE GOT ME. Myaz explains, “The bass was always an accompanying rather than lead instrument and the concept was to create melodies and not make them repetitious or monotonous.” As a formally trained musician and proficient on many musical instruments, Myaz was able to utilize his knowledge of other instruments to transform the bass melodies and accomplish variations.

While juggling his musical career between the responsibilities of single parenthood, Benjy continued to further bolster his reputation and expand his musical development by working with top entertainment figures. From Urban to Reggae to Pop to Gospel and Folk, many benefited from his musical creativity including gospel singer Joan Myers, a former lead with the internationally renowned Grace Thrillers, whose debut album, Wanna B Ur, he produced. He collaborated with Canadian-based dub poet, Michael St. George, singer/guitarist Junior Jazz and Freddie McGregor, Third World, Ken Boothe, Joanna Marie, and Pam Hall. He co-produced Banx’s Chariots of Steele in 2004 with Third World lead guitarist Steven 'Cat’ Coore; played bass on Sizzla’s Da Real Thing. Myaz is the musical director for Moon Splash, Bankie Banx’s musical festival held in Anguilla annually. He has toured as a bassist with Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, DJ Shinehead and J.C. Lodge, and appeared also as bassist with Sounds of Blackness. As a solo vocalist, he toured the U.S. in 2000 with Freddie McGregor and Glen Washington. As if this wasn’t enough, Myaz kept up his hectic schedule, as a solo act, performing alongside international artists Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds and Randy Crawford at major festivals like World Food Day in 2000, Jamaica Jazz Festival, Jamaica Prime Minister’s Ball and Reggae Sumfest. His work with Toots & the Maytals earned him a nomination medal and certificate from NARAS for Toots’ 2000 Grammy-nominated album.

Whether Myaz is at work in the studio creating music, on stage performing or going about his daily business, his caring humility and warm humbleness draw people to him. His wit and sense of humor is equally matched by his profound faith in God and the deep ethical foundation bequeathed him by his parents.

Born in the little town of Haddington, Hanover, Jamaica to the Reverend Egbert Myers (the pastor of Holiness Christian Church) and Mrs. Resa Myers, Benjy along with his seven siblings participated in their church choir at the urging of their parents.

Myaz musical skills continued to develop at Herbert Morrison High School where he played in the school band with drummers like Paul Kastick of Shaggy’s band. Benjy has been a musician his entire life and is proficient on at least seven musical instruments although his first love is the bass. Myaz who began singing later in his career—a step he describes as “just a transition, not a move,” found the transition from musician to singer difficult because of everyone pidgeonholed him as a bass player. Singing allowed him to become a performing and recording artist, but he considers it “just the cream of the crop” of his musical career. The difficulty jazz guitarist George Benson encountered in his transition to a singer is akin to Myaz’ own situation. His friend and mentor Junior Jazz, a singing guitarist, also had a similar experience. Benson’s successful transition is also a model from which Myaz can take heart.

To his credit, Benjy Myaz has prepared himself by being versed in the business aspect of the music industry and has control over all aspects of his career. He owns his publishing and production company, My Werks Music, and his original songs are copyrighted. His technical know-how ensures proper mastering of his own recordings, and he is capable of engineering both live performance and studio recordings. The creative mind has many detours: Bob Andy, one of Jamaica’s greatest songwriters, said that had he not been a singer he would have been a painter because he saw colors in his head when writing songs. Myaz’s creativity is not limited to music; as a graphic designer and art director he designs the artwork and photography for his albums. The imaginative and eye catching graphics on LONG STORY SHORT was his work.

Myaz has made many sacrifices and turned down many opportunities that would have allowed him to live comfortably in pursuit of his dreams and ambitions. The demands and instability of a musician’s life coupled with challenges of single parenthood have often times proved daunting, especially when they clash; however, because of his solid foundation he has been able to hold it all together. Myaz wrote and produced “Conversation, ” the single for Third World ’s Live it Up album. He was never appropriately credited or compensated. And though he has resolved his difference with Third World, at the time the experience left a bitter taste in his mouth. As he noted then, “I guess in the music business people like to collaborate, enhance their product, then disrespect. They said I had to pay my dues; unfortunately, I had to pay it this way.” Both Third World and Myaz have moved on.

Observing Benjy in the studio is witness to true brilliance at work. His humor and genius at times are one and the same. Yet his dedication to his talent and the integrity of his craft is singular, there is more to him than the music. The desire to be respected as great musician and his ambition to be successful is also evident. And, like true artists who usually know the kind of musical portraits they want to create, compromise, though necessary, comes hard.

Myaz is meticulously disciplined and extraordinarily creative. When it comes to his music he is an uncompromising perfectionist. As he notes, “When you are formally trained, it allows you to appreciate the origins and growth of music.” This is why as an artist, his creed is “I’m about chasing creativity, not competition.” In an industry where hype and ego pretensions equal celebrity, and rhythm-driven music is the vogue, such an attitude can be problematic. At times, this quality puts him at odds with the pervasive trends in the reggae music industry, because, for Benjy Myaz as an artist, “ It's about taking control of my direction and my sound… It's not a matter of not allowing anyone to do it; I am professionally an arranger and a composer, producer, so that's what I do. ”

Benjy has a decided distaste for conforming to the latest commercial trends. This is because, as he notes: “I didn't grow up on top 40; I am very selective with my music. Jazz gives me the freedom of expression, there [are] no limitations to it. ” However, he is confronted with the dilemma all true artists in today’s music industry face; dilemma geniuses like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley struggled to reconcile—that of how to become a commercially viable artist while remaining true to your creative vision. The balance is delicate and difficult, yet attainable. The market is very fickle and fad-driven, often requiring gimmicks and low brow imagery instead of creativity and quality as hallmarks of commercial success. Record labels are even more brutal because of their bottom line sales. They are notoriously unsentimental and have little loyalty for artists who don’t do whatever it takes to rake in the dollars.

Described by one music critic as “a jewel of an album,” LONG STORY SHORT could further signal the revival of lovers’ rock in Jamaica, a genre of reggae which is more popular in England than in Jamaica at present. LONG STORY SHORT is a pleasing album, especially for romantics and lovers. The album is dominated by polished lovers' rock songs, including originals like “You and Me,” “ Make It Up To You,” “Irresistible Lady,” “Before You Go,” and, of course, the title track, “Long Story Short.” Noteworthy are the two impressive covers of Bobby Caldwell, “Do for Love” (a reggae groove and Latin bounce). To watch Myaz perform this track live is exciting; he scats vocally while playing his fretless bass with the eloquence and proficient ease reminiscent of George Benson live on “On Broadway.”

The majority of the 15 tracks are composed and produced by Benjy Myaz with co-production by Barry O’Hare, Freddie McGregor and Bobby Digital. Myaz shows his command and versatility playing several instruments on the album, including the bass, organ, clavinet, and acoustic guitar, piccolo and also singing background vocals. Tthough he is not quite a rudeboy lover like Beres Hammond or Freddie McGregor whose love songs tend to be rooted in the Jamaican psyche, Myaz pitches his love tent high on the love landscape. His charismatic voice with its melodious delivery makes his message resonate.

LONG STORY SHORT brings a breath of freshness to Jamaican lovers’ rock and reggae music. Fans both old and new will be impressed with the breadth of the multi-faceted musical creativity of Benjy Myaz, the allure of his voice and the intelligence of his love stories. LONG STORY SHORT was a long time coming but it was well worth the wait.

Stan Evan Smith is currently a music editor for Caribbean Style Newspaper and a contributing writer for the West Indian Times. He is also the co-host and co-producer of "Reggae Roundtable" on WBAI 99.5 FM in New York. His work has been published in various publications including the Jamaica Observer, Vibe Magazine, and the North American Gleaner; and in addition to consulting on the Nyahbinghi project at the Museum of Natural History, he has been an Adjunct Lecturer in Social Science at the City College of New York and Queens College. His pet project is to solicit national recognition for both Dennis Brown and Peter Tosh, both of whom he feels have been greatly overlooked. - Jahworks.org

http://www.sunheraldja.com/article/show/1513?q=Benjy%20Myaz

Reigning Jazz In the Gardens

2008-09-06 Written by: Nicola Cunningham

It rained music all evening at the Jamaica Pegasus when the latest installation in the highly successful ‘Jazz In the Garden’ series continued on Sunday August 31.

The Benjy Myaz & Friends band (Alexander Martin-Blanken and Andrew Young on keyboards, Everol ‘Stingwray’ Wray on trumpet & flugelhorn, young Jermaine Wilson on drums and Isaiah Palmer with bass and acoustic guitar) provided a superb opening that rivalled many jazz greats both living and deceased. They also provided backup for the other billed acts for the evening.

Benjy Myaz & Friends opened with Anniversary and the sweetly melodious Love Is Where You Find It, which was a defining tune for what was to come — an evening of smooth and improvisational jazz mixed with a hodgepodge of rhythm and blues and a tinge of reggae.

Guyanese saxophonist Courtney Fadlin who is no stranger to Jamaica or ‘Jazz In The Gardens’ turned up the heat on Love Is Where You Find It and provided an added dimension of tonality, which merged, like hand in glove, with the playing of Stingwray on his muffled trumpet, who was very much into his ackee throughout the gig.

Once the tone was set, Benjy Myaz & Friends were joined by a debonair Ian Andrews who provided red roses and Strawberries for the female patrons. He went through his numbers including Chances Are with skill, sophistication and charisma. His imitative rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World will long be remembered by the audience who thanked him with loud applause.


Sweet staple
A’lisa the diva who originally hails from Spanish Town and is now a sweet staple on the cabaret circuit on Jamaica’s north coast tourism belt, was pretty in a burgundy evening dress trimmed and lined with gold coloured silk. One Night Only was all she had and invited the audience who were all God’s children to Wade In The Water. When she switched gears and delivered Etana’s current hit, I Am Not Afraid the audience loved it and sang along. She closed to tumultuous applause with a marvelously arranged Summertime of which George and his brother Ira Gershwin would be justly proud.

Just as the audience thought they had got their money’s worth from A’lisa, Courtney Fadlin chipped in with the sound of his big brawny yet sweet tenor saxophone on Stevie Wonder’s Creepin’. His communication and interplay with the band, his call and response, and jaw dropping solos complimented Myaz’s magnetic improvisations.

Together Benjy Myaz (now on acoustic guitar ) & Friends accompanied by Fadlin jammed to Marcus Miller’s Maputo before they grooved on a modern jazz-pop fusion of Autumn Leaves and pleaded Give A Little More Love.

The curtains started to close on Myaz’s new single Eternal Love, featuring A’lisa. Together they boil good soup, as they gave their interpretation of Randy Crawford’s ‘(I Love You) Higher Than Anyone Can Count’. - Sunday Herald - Pure Class Magazine