"Jamaica, It’s Time to Sing Out!" ...Myaz Lauds Re-emerging Live Music trends*

[Benjy Myaz]

May 1, 2008: Kingston, Jamaica:
Musician, performer and producer Benjy Myaz has expressed delight at what he describes as a positive trend he has noticed on the Jamaican music scene, the re-emerging tradition of live music being consistently performed in small performance spaces across Jamaica's capital city. "It has all come full circle. I remember the days of the jam-session where musicians were performing in small, informal spaces in Kingston. I am glad to see this being revived in existing venues." The singer was making reference to what seems to be an increasing trend in the hosting of regular, live music showcases featuring new and established musicians and vocal artistes in small venues in Kingston including Weekenz, Red Bones, Christopher's and The Deck . According to the musician, "What goes around comes around, it is a cycle. We have to keep the vibe going, to bring the music back. Doing this thing is not all about hype and money, we have some industry building to do." He said. Myaz says the musicians are ready to respond. "Now we have to encourage more sponsors to step up and step into the development of the music. Instead of stepping away from and condemning the culture, this is an opportunity for them to play their part in the re-building." To do this, he says, more marketers who wish to associate their products and services with these positive trends will have to partner with promoters, production houses and the owners of venues to invest in the staging of regular live performances. This, he says, is not something new. The tradition of performers appearing in small intimate venues like jazz clubs is a global phenomenon. Since his return to Jamaica, after a few months spent overseas completing post production on a series of musical projects, Benjy Myaz has a full 'dance card' for the month of May. The versatile musician and vocalist, who is best known for his smooth, Lover's Rocking Reggae styling, is scheduled to perform at Weekenz on Constant Spring Road on Sunday May 4, 2008 at Seh Supmh. This new, weekly event is an eclectic mix of poetry and live music staged at. "I love to perform at all size events, but I get a real vibe from these intimate shows. I love to feel the people close to me and see them rocking. I get great energy from that." According to Myaz. On Tuesday May 6 2008, Myaz will support his long-time friend and fellow musician, woodwind specialist, Courtney Fadlin, from the USA, who is the guest headliner for Jazz Night at Christopher's Café, inside the Quad Nightclub. As musical director, Benjy will lead the group of musicians accompanying Courtney and also play Bass. "That one is Courtney's show and trust me, he is an amazing musician who shines on the clarinet, the tenor, alto and soprano saxophone and the flute". Said Myaz. Benjy has also accepted the invitation to return to Christopher's to headline Singer's night, on Thursday May 8, 2008, two days later. He says he will be releasing a brand new arsenal of music, including the new single Eternal Love, to try to top the musical revolution staged earlier this year. "We are bringing a whole new slate to Christopher's this time! Old favorites, new songs, a few covers, some originals… a little Jazz, lots of Reggae, some R & B…just more music!" Benjy said in response to the question of what would be new for the return-performance to Singer's Night. "No matter how we try, we cyaan done the music, so more music and more love is what you will get at Christopher's this time around." . At this event, Benjy teams up with cabaret dynamo A'Lisa to premier their new single Eternal Love, which will be released globally in that week. On Mother's Day, Sunday May 12, Benjy will perform at Acropolis Entertainment Center at a special treat for mothers as they enjoy brunch. Benjy will then change his repertoire and alter his style for his performance at the live music series being staged by Griot Music at Red Bones Blues Café on Ruthven Road in the Month of May. Benjy and his band will perform there on Friday May 30. This time Jazz styling is the focus. Other artistes performing in this series in the Month of May include Della Manley, Canadian flautist - Robin Banks, Sheldon Bernard - a pianist with a rich Latin sound and Kamla Hamilton. The performer and producer has dedicated most of the last year to the production of a new single Eternal Love, which will come onto the market in May 2008 and a new album, to be released later this year. "The Good Book says there is a time for everything. So these last few months have been a time to be still, to record and produce tracks, to dedicate the time and energy to the studio work. Now, Jamaica, it's a time to sing out!" Benjy exclaimed. Benjy Myaz is a musician, producer, recording and performing artiste and arranger who is based in Jamaica. He has to his credit three albums - Time Together, Intimate Relationship and Long Story Short. His first single, a Lover's Rock cover of international superstar, Randy Crawford's R&B song Love You Higher, caught the imagination of the Jamaican public. Additional information on the artiste and his work is available at www.benjymyaz.com