Customer Reviews

All My Life

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have had this album for several months now, and had time to listen to it over and over. If you ask yourselves how I got it before it was released in the U.S., it's because I got the Japan edition, and paid twice the price of today... It was well worth it because after the rumours Maysa had left the group Incognito (she eventually makes a "comeback" on "No time like the future"), and a long period since her first solo album, I didn't think we would be rewarded this way ! Maysa is sensually splendid on this cd ! Just listen to the title track of the album to get an idea that this lady has improved (and she already was outstanding) since "deep waters" on Incognito's "Positivity" album.

Of course, Jean Paul Maulnick is very present (the album is actually initially recorded on RICE records, his own label), writing or co writing almost half of the tracks. He also is probably the best producer-musician of this time and a reference. But Maysa gives an extra dimension to the music with her voice, her personnality, and beauty.

The album is a mixture of sensuality ("all my life", "blue light", "sunshine"), stylish beat ("mirrors", another incredible track, "pressure", "hooked on your love"), lyricism ("Aria de la mia vita", a Sade like song ("got to be strong") and even has an up tempo cover version from a song originally from The Christians ("The bottle", not to be mistaken with "message in a bottle from The Police) that could be heard in any disco bar of the world.

Overall, it has less Brazilian influences than her first cd and it perhaps is a bit more homogeneous. But both of them a five stars, without doubt. A must buy if you like refined and stylish pop soul with jazz-blues influences, and a voice that will perhaps be one of the best and greatest in the 21st century.

If Incognito is a sort of Rufus for the 90's (and with their retro stylings, thick grooves, and heavy horns, indeed they are), that must mean that their best-known vocalist, Maysa Leak (the pipes behind the group's "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing" and "Deep Waters") is a sort of modern-day Chaka Khan. And judging from the quality of Maysa's second solo effort, "All My Life," a comparison to Chaka is not at all inappropriate.

At equal ease with both funk-laced grooves and seductive ballads, Maysa manages to both build on the foundation she has with Incognito as well as forge her own original path. Of course, the fact that this record was produced by Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick, the brains behind Incognito, doesn't hurt a bit...but even he knows when to let go and let Maysa chart territory that wouldn't be touched on an Incognito project.

The half-scatted "Mirrors" and the lush title track will certainly win over any self-respecting Incognito fan, and "The Bottle" and "Pressure," for all their jazzy, club-ready energy, will likely do the same. But never has Incognito attempted the likes of "The Shadows and the Light," a gorgeous, almost experimental ballad. Here, over a calypso-influeced groove, Maysa trades turns at the mic with her saxophonist and guitarist; this is not a short, let-the-diva-catch-her-breath solo...all three artists have equal floor time and the results are gorgeous. And in yet another one of Sade's absences Maysa generously serves up "Got to Be Strong," a lush, inviting composition with a beautifully understated vocal...certainly enough to make the Nigerian Queen of Cool a bit nervous.

Elsewhere Maysa Leak is poised for commercial acceptance: the Marvin Gaye-ish "Blue Light" is a classic-sounding R&B ballad just begging to have a sultry clip played on BET; "Compliments" has a chord progression that hints at Steely Dan laid over a thick, radio-ready beat; "Sunshine" is a catchy, slow-burn funk number (warning: involuntary head bobs may occur); and "Closure" boasts not only up-to-the-minute rhythms but also a warm, jazzy chord progression, sexy trumpet flourishes, and a killer vocal that could easily leave every boyband and teenaged female vocalist gasping in the dust.

In her liner notes Maysa calls this record "the album I've been dreaming of." But in times of so many new artists barely being of age to drive, this is the album any adult fan of R&B has been dreaming of. Mature, intimate, and gorgeously sung, Maysa Leak's "All My Life" easily ranks as one of the best R&B albums you'll hear this year.

I am always craving music and lyrics with meaning. For all of 2000 there were only a few artist who fit the bill. Maysa Leak is definitely on the very top of my list along with Jill Scott, Rachelle Ferrell and Sade. You see, not only can these women sing, they are singing about something. Thats massive and often unheard of today with all the teeny boppers popcorn, bubblegum, meaningless tunes. Getting back to Maysa, Ms Diva.....I don't often come across a CD that makes me want to keep in the player and never take it out, but Maysa gets that off from me!!! Her voice is sensual, sultry, strong, and draws you in like a long drag off a cigarrette after a meal. Its very necessary. I became familiar with Maysa from back in the day when she sang with Stevie Wonders group Wonderland, and then again with Incognito (where she shines like a diamond in the ruff). Every song on this CD is tight. My favorites are Blue Light, All My Life, and Mirrors. She even funks it up on this CD on tracks like her take on "The Bottle".

This CD is a must for all those R&B/Soul/Jazz fans who've been let down lately by the lack of real and truly blessed voices in the music industry these past few years. I would personally like to thank Maysa for keeping hope alive. Now get back in the studio and keep em coming sis. One can never get tired of the goodness. The Godess of Goodness is Maysa!!!!

Maysa Leak stands heads above her contemporary peers as is evidenced by this, her sophmore solo effort. I was most impressed by the aria she wrote and sung for this project. I first heard "Got To Be Strong" and I was hooked from there. Other favorites include the title track, "Compliments", "Closure" and "Blue Light." Jean-Paul Maunick and Maysa is a musical collaboration made in heaven. It always is and this cd is no exception. I have been a fan of Incognito since the Tribes, Vibes and Scribes project and I'll be a fan for life. If you like Incognito, then I'm sure you'll love this cd. Her first solo cd Maysa, is also equally as enjoyable. Standouts on that include "Black Heaven", "Sexy", and "JFS". An extremely talented vocalist, she has sung with everyone from Stevie Wonder, Dave Koz to Bob James and many others in between. She is one of my favorites. This is a must have for Incognito and Maysa fans alike. She is truly in a class by herself and that's exactly where she belongs. In a day and age where anyone can fake the funk, she gives it to you straight no chaser. This chick can blow!

Maysa Leak's sophomore album goes above and beyond any jazz stylings of this year. She has the control that many envy and the sultry voice that can lead any critic of jazz to become its biggest fan. Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick lends his creative genius by adding that familiar "Incognito" flavor. The sounds that many of us have grown to enjoy time and time again. Precise horns, thumping percussions and deep clear vocals. Maysa finally provides what she was disallowed in her first album, freedom, scattin' and vocal acrobatics that makes jazz the preferred music of choice. The album, without a doubt, proves that sometimes the wait is worthwhile. Hats off to Maysa Leak, jazz diva for the Millenium!

I've always been a fan of Incognito and its lead singer, Baltimore's own Maysa Leak. Her solo debut was a fine CD, but her 2000 effort, "All My Life" raises the bar even higher. It's such a shame that she isn't getting more attention, because she's certainly one of the finest soul singers around. Here, the disc seamlessly blends jazz, r&b, and soulful house, all of which are set to Maysa's sultry voice which exudes an effortless grace. Those who are familiar with Incognito's work will find plenty to savor here. From the positive vibe of the opener, "Got to Be Strong," I was hooked. The album is surprisingly consistent, with no filler tracks or lackluster tunes. In addition to "Got to Be Strong," my favorites are the jazzed-up "Mirrors," the anti-drinking message of "The Bottle," "Earth Child," and the flat out beautiful title track. The production has a stern ear for detail, capturing the right balance of sax, percussion, guitars, and bass. There are other soul records that may sell more, but you'll find few that are as exceptionally classy as "All My Life." Grade: A-.

this is a very good cd. if you're an incognito fan, this is a must have. it's definitely a quiet-time w/ your lady or a "love jones" party cd. like amel larrieux, the overall good songwriting holds back maysa's exceptional voice. it would be interesting to see maysa work with a different material; her music would move toward the level of the late eva cassidy.

You want to get balladized, get this cd. Ms. Maysa, of my hometown Baltimore, is spectacular. She has the voice of smooth silky silk. When she does her opera before the song "ALl My Life", it puts me in a freezy. Chills up and down my spines. Maysa's sefftitled cd and this is a must get. I catch all her concerts in the surrounding area of the Washington, DC and Maryland areas. She has never left me regret. I leave in awe wanting more. Her smooth tribute to Sade is a knock-out. Want to chill with your love one, the one who has your heart, do so but be sure to put Maysa cds on the carousel and the night is yours. Love you Maysa!!

It's plenty of fine female vocalist out there. But few of them have the power of Maysa. If you ever heard her sing live with the whole set of Incognito, with twelve musicians playing trumpets, and keyboards, and drums, and percussions, and so on, at maximum volume, while her voice still dominate the scene, well, you know what I mean. I expected this album was, like most vocalist solo album, focused only on her vocal talent. I was wrong: music is also stunning and superbly arranged. This album can easily compete with the best albums by Incognito. And for my tastes I can't imagine a better compliment.

Wow, This CD is so awesome! I have Maysa's debut album as well as this one (her second) and I absolutely love them both.
This album "all my life" is so nice to listen to. It has some jazzy upbeat songs as well as some nice relaxing tunes.
"The Bottle" is very dancy and upbeat. There's a remix of it at the end of the album. My personal favorites are "People Mirrors," "Blue Light," "Listen With Your Heart," "Hooked On Your Love," and "Take My Hand" which are all beautiful songs!
After I first got this album I could not stop listening to it!
I still play it to this day non-stop. It's just so good.
Other great songs are "Pressure" and "All My Life"
If you don't already own this album, then go ahead and make it your next buy! you won't regret it, as this album is great from start to finish! Just listen to some samples and see for yourself!